Biolubricants

Gears in operation using biolubricant
© iStock.com/kadmy

We offer high-performance alternatives to mineral oil-based lubricants

Biolubricants can be made from plant oils or water-based systems. We use enzymatic processes to improve the technical-functional properties of plant oil-based biolubricants. This enhances the lubricity and viscosity of the biolubricant and the solubility of additives. In the case of water-based biolubricants, it is also possible to use special biopolymers to customize technical-functional properties such as viscosity and thermal and physical stability.

When developing new biolubricants, we factor in the properties of their individual constituents, such as base fluid and additives in order to optimize the properties of the lubricant.

Biobased additives to customize lubricant properties

As a rule, conventional oil-based lubricants contain high-performance synthetic additives, which are not always environmentally compatible. In the case of biolubricants, these are replaced by biobased additives. Secondary plant substances that naturally possess such functional properties are ideal for this purpose. By matching the base fluid to suitable additives, we are able to create high-performance, biobased lubricants that can replace conventional oil-based alternatives.

Raw materials from industrial residues

The raw materials we use to produce biolubricants are largely extracted from industrial residues that would otherwise be disposed of unused. As such, we are also seeking to establish a holistic and sustainable use of industrial raw materials. Over time, we have developed efficient extraction methods, advancing them from the laboratory to the pilot plant scale.

 

Biolubricants – what we have to offer

Biolubricants for specific applications

For each specific application, we select an optimal mix of raw materials to optimize the lubricant properties.

 

Enzymatic modification

By means of an enzymatic modification of vegetable oils, it is possible to tailor rheological properties such as viscosity to the precise requirements of a lubricant.

 

 

Chemical-functional and tribological analysis

  • Viscosity
  • Wear and abraison
  • Thermal and physical stability
  • Surface action

Biobased
lubricant additives

Secondary plant substances naturally possess highly functional properties, which make them ideal as lubricant additives.

Product sample

In our pilot plant for processing plant-based raw materials, we are able to produce samples of biobased lubricants to volumes of up to 300 liters.   

Lubricant systems under development

Water-based
biolubricants

  • Customized viscosity through addition of specific biopolymers as thickening agent

  • High shear resistance and excellent material compatibility

  • Environmentally friendly disposal

  • Easy-to-clean plant and equipment

  • Especially suitable as cooling lubricant, transmission fluid, hydraulic oil

Biobased
lubricating grease

  • Base medium: plant oil

  • Purely plant-based, biodegradable thickening agents

  • Replacement for lithium soaps, a dwindling, environmentally harmful resource

  • Numerous areas of application due to adjustable grease hardness

  • New alternatives for the disposal and recycling of used greases

 

Plant oil-based
biolubricants

  • Specific viscosity profile by means of controlled enzymatic modification

  • Optimized lubricant properties

  • Improved solubility for additives

  • Reduced requirement for additives

  • Especially suitable for emulsions