Bio-Based Grease from Agricultural Waste: Modified Cellulose from Corn Stover for Sustainable Lubrication

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Tribology
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly lubricants.
• Limitations of conventional petroleum-based lubricating greases.
• Potential of bio-based materials for lubrication applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel green lubricating grease using cellulose and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO).
• To enhance cellulose compatibility and thickening ability in non-polar oil.
• To evaluate the rheological and tribological performance of the bio-based grease.

Main Methods:

• Extraction and functionalization of cellulose from corn stover using diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).
• Dispersion of functionalized cellulose in ESO to form a stable bio-based grease.
• Characterization of functionalized cellulose using FTIR, SEM, and XRD.
• Assessment of rheological and tribological properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared a stable, gel-like bio-based grease.
• Functionalized cellulose demonstrated enhanced compatibility and thickening ability.
• The bio-based grease exhibited superior lubricity, lower friction, and reduced wear compared to commercial lithium-based greases.
• Demonstrated excellent anti-wear properties.

Conclusions:

• Developed an effective green lubricating grease from renewable resources.
• Functionalized cellulose is a promising thickener for bio-based lubricants.
• The study offers practical insights for designing sustainable and high-performance environmentally friendly greases.