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The aim of this study was to synthesize environmentally adapted Trimethylolpropane (TMP) esters from cottonseed and soybean oils and to examine their quality parameters and tribological properties as potential lubricant basestocks. A two stage production process was followed. At first the above mentioned vegetable oils were transformed to the corresponding methyl esters via methanolysis in the presence of sodium methoxide. The desired TMP esters were finally synthesized by alkaline transesterification of the previously produced methylesters with TMP using sodium methoxide as catalyst. Following the purification phase the physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized TMP esters were examined. The tribological properties were evaluated by employing a Four-Ball apparatus. An additive-free mineral oil base oil was used as a reference lubricating fluid.

The lubricating efficiency is an important property of diesel fuel since several diesel engine parts, such as pumps and injectors, are lubricated by the fuel itself only. The evolution of oxidation products during oxidative deterioration may as well affect the lubricating properties of the biodiesel fuel blends and thus the proper functioning of a diesel engine. In this study Fatty Acid Methyl Esters were produced from various types of feedstock that significantly differentiate in their fatty acid profile. Each methyl ester was blended with an Ultra Low Sulphur Automotive Diesel (ULSD) at a concentration of 7% v/v which is currently the maximum acceptable FAME content according to the European Standard EN590. The B7 biodiesel blends were evaluated regarding fundamental physicochemical properties as well as their lubricating efficiency. Oxidation stability was examined on a Rancimat apparatus according to EN 15751 standard.