Synthesis of Methyl ester Castor Oil as Biolubricant

Abstract

The Castor oil methyl ester (COME) was prepared  by transesterification reaction of castor oil with the following reaction conditions: oil to methanol molar ratio (1:9), catalyst concentration 1% KOH (wt of oil), temperature 65 , reaction time 3h, and mixing speed of 600 rpm.  The physicochemical Properties for COME was determined  such as: Density, Viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C , Viscosity Index, Pour point, Flash point, Acid value, Saponification value and Iodine value. The Thermal effect on volatility, The corrosion of the iron plate and the copper plate, Four Ball Tester, Record Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) spectrum for COME. The previous analysis was shown that it is possible to use COME as biolubricant.