MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES OF SELECTED LOCALLY PRODUCED LUBRICANT SHEA BUTTER AS GREASE AND CASHEW OIL AS LUBRICANTS

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MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES OF SELECTED LOCALLY PRODUCED LUBRICANT SHEA BUTTER AS GREASE AND CASHEW OIL AS LUBRICANTS

Abstract

This study investigates the performance properties of two locally produced lubricants: shea butter as a grease and cashew oil as a lubricant. The growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly materials has prompted an evaluation of these natural substances to determine their viability as alternatives to conventional synthetic lubricants. The research focuses on key performance indicators, including viscosity, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, wear protection, and friction reduction.

Shea butter, known for its thick, creamy consistency, was assessed for its potential as a grease, examining its load-carrying capacity, drop point, and anti-wear properties. Cashew oil, characterized by its lightweight and fluid nature, was evaluated for its lubricity, viscosity index, and oxidative stability.

The methodologies employed include standardized mechanical and thermal testing, such as the four-ball wear test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Comparative analysis with commercial synthetic lubricants was performed to benchmark the performance of the natural alternatives.

Results indicate that shea butter exhibits excellent load-bearing properties and thermal stability, making it a promising candidate for grease applications, particularly in low to moderate temperature environments. Cashew oil demonstrated superior lubricity and a high viscosity index, though it showed moderate oxidative stability, suggesting its suitability for applications where frequent lubricant replacement is feasible or where oxidative stability can be enhanced through additives.

The findings underscore the potential of shea butter and cashew oil as sustainable and effective lubricants, contributing to the development of green lubrication technologies. Future research should focus on optimizing these natural lubricants through additive incorporation and enhancing their performance characteristics to meet industry standards.

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background

Lubricants play a crucial role in various mechanical systems, reducing friction between moving parts, dissipating heat, and preventing wear and tear. Traditionally, lubricants are derived from petroleum-based sources. However, there is growing interest in exploring alternative, environmentally friendly sources of lubricants, such as natural oils like shea butter and cashew oil.

Shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), and cashew oil, derived from the seeds of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), have garnered attention for their potential as lubricants due to their inherent lubricating properties and biodegradability. These locally sourced materials offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants, particularly in regions where they are abundantly available.

Lubricants are essential components in various mechanical systems, facilitating smooth operation, reducing friction, and extending the lifespan of machinery. Traditionally, lubricants have been derived from petroleum-based sources, but there is increasing interest in exploring alternative, sustainable options. This study focuses on evaluating the performance properties of two locally produced natural substances, shea butter and cashew oil, as potential lubricants.

Shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), and cashew oil, obtained from the seeds of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), have garnered attention for their inherent lubricating properties and environmentally friendly characteristics. These locally sourced materials not only offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants but also hold promise for supporting local economies and reducing dependency on imported lubricants.

The primary aim of this study is to comprehensively measure and evaluate the performance properties of shea butter as grease and cashew oil as lubricants. By assessing factors such as viscosity, thermal stability, oxidative stability, friction-reducing properties, and anti-wear properties, this research seeks to determine the suitability of shea butter and cashew oil for various industrial applications. Furthermore, the study compares the performance of these natural lubricants with conventional petroleum-based lubricants to identify potential advantages and limitations.

Understanding the performance characteristics of shea butter and cashew oil as lubricants is of significant importance for both industry and environmental sustainability. If proven effective, these locally sourced alternatives have the potential to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to economic development in regions where shea and cashew trees are cultivated.

This introduction lays the groundwork for the study by highlighting the importance of exploring alternative lubricants and outlining the objectives of the research. Subsequent chapters will delve into the methodology, findings, and implications of the study, providing valuable insights into the potential of shea butter and cashew oil as sustainable lubricants for various industrial applications.

1.2 Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to assess the performance properties of selected locally produced lubricants, specifically shea butter as grease and cashew oil as a lubricant. The specific objectives include:

To evaluate the viscosity, thermal stability, and oxidative stability of shea butter and cashew oil.

To measure the friction-reducing and anti-wear properties of shea butter and cashew oil under different operating conditions.

To compare the performance of shea butter and cashew oil with conventional petroleum-based lubricants.

To assess the environmental impact and biodegradability of shea butter and cashew oil as lubricants.

1.3 Research Questions

To achieve the objectives outlined above, the study will address the following research questions:

What are the viscosity, thermal stability, and oxidative stability of shea butter and cashew oil compared to conventional lubricants?

How do shea butter and cashew oil perform in terms of friction reduction and anti-wear properties under various operating conditions?

How does the performance of shea butter and cashew oil compare to conventional petroleum-based lubricants?

What is the environmental impact and biodegradability of shea butter and cashew oil as lubricants?

1.4 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly lubricants. By evaluating the performance properties of shea butter and cashew oil as lubricants, the study aims to provide insights into their suitability for various industrial applications. If proven effective, these locally sourced alternatives could reduce dependency on petroleum-based lubricants, mitigate environmental impact, and promote economic development in regions where shea and cashew trees are cultivated.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the measurement and evaluation of the performance properties of shea butter and cashew oil as lubricants. It includes laboratory experiments to assess viscosity, thermal stability, oxidative stability, friction-reducing properties, and anti-wear properties of shea butter and cashew oil. The study also compares the performance of these natural lubricants with conventional petroleum-based lubricants. However, the study does not cover the production processes of shea butter and cashew oil, nor does it investigate their applications in specific mechanical systems.

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