Development of Biolubricant Using Fatty Acid Methyl Esters From Spotted Melon

Abstract

The desire for environmentally friendly energy sources, coupled with the depleted fossil oil reserves and rising cost per barrel, have generated interest in the search for world’s alternative energy sources and derivatives such as lubricants. The production of biolubricant from renewable biomass materials as replacement for fossil lubricants align with the promotion of sustainable development goals contributing to the sustainable economic growth of developing countries such as Nigeria as well as preservation of the environment. The aim of this work was to synthesize an environmentally friendly biolubricant from spotted melon (Lagenaria breviflora), a plant that is known as a weed. The biolubricant was synthesized using double transesterification of the fatty acids methyl esters (FAME), characterized and physico-chemical properties were within the standards for engine oils and can compete with the synthesized environmentally acceptable lubricating oils. The biolubricant is usable in boundary lubricating machines