A Comparative Study of Tribological Properties of Biodegradable and Synthetic Lubricants

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has spurred interest in biodegradable lubricants as alternatives to conventional synthetic lubricants, which are primarily petroleum-based. This paper conducts a comparative study of the tribological properties—such as friction, wear, viscosity, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and environmental impact—of biodegradable and synthetic lubricants. Synthetic lubricants are known for their superior performance under extreme conditions, offering excellent thermal stability, low wear rates, and high resistance to oxidation and corrosion. They pose significant environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature and potential eco-toxicity. On the other hand, biodegradable lubricants, derived from renewable resources like vegetable oils, provide a more environmentally friendly option, characterized by rapid biodegradation and lower eco-toxicity. While biodegradable lubricants show competitive performance in moderate operating conditions, they often require more frequent re-application and may not match the thermal stability and long-term oxidation resistance of synthetics. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of each lubricant type, with a focus on industrial and automotive applications. The findings suggest that while synthetic lubricants remain dominant in high-performance scenarios, biodegradable lubricants offer a promising alternative in environmentally sensitive areas, with ongoing advancements likely to enhance their competitiveness in a wider range of applications.