Title : Advanced processing and iptimization of lubricating oils derived from pyrolysis oil
Abstract:
The increasing accumulation of plastic and biomass waste has led to the exploration of sustainable alternatives for converting waste materials into valuable products. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical decomposition process, produces pyrolysis oil, which can be further refined through fractional distillation to obtain high-quality lubricating oils. This study investigates the production, enhancement, and performance evaluation of lubricating oils derived from pyrolysis oil, aiming to develop a viable alternative to conventional mineral-based lubricants.
The research focuses on optimizing key processing parameters, including reaction temperature, catalyst selection, and refining techniques such as hydroprocessing, solvent extraction, and dewaxing. Advanced purification methods, including clay treatment and activated carbon adsorption, are utilized to remove impurities and improve the viscosity index, oxidative stability, and thermal resistance of the resulting lubricants. Simulated and experimental analyses using gas chromatography (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirm the presence of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, similar to those found in commercial lubricants.
Performance testing using standard tribological evaluations reveals that optimized pyrolysis-based lubricants exhibit competitive wear resistance, viscosity stability, and thermal performance. The findings indicate that these lubricants could serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional lubricants, reducing dependency on petroleum-based oils while contributing to waste management and environmental sustainability.
