Advantages of biodegradable lubricants
The main advantage of biodegradable lubricants is that they are less harmful to the environment than traditional lubricants. They are made from natural, renewable resources and break down into harmless by-products when exposed to the environment. This helps to reduce pollution and the risk of harm to wildlife and other living organisms. Additionally, unlike conventional lubricants that can potentially harm the environment if not disposed of appropriately, biodegradable lubricants can be safely disposed of in soil or water.
There are several types of biodegradable lubricants, including:
- Vegetable oil-based lubricants: These lubricants are made from natural, plant-based oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and corn oil. They are biodegradable and renewable, and have a lower environmental impact than traditional mineral oil-based lubricants.
- Synthetic ester-based lubricants: These lubricants are made from synthetic esters, which are biodegradable. They have a lower environmental impact than traditional mineral oil-based lubricants and are suitable for use in high-performance applications.
- Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based lubricants: PAOs are a synthetic lubricant base stock made from alpha-olefins. They are biodegradable and have good lubrication properties.
- Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) based lubricants: PAGs are synthetic lubricants that are biodegradable and are manufactured from (downstream derivatives) of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO). They are used in applications where biodegradability and low toxicity are important. Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) based lubricants are known to reduce friction and temperature, which can lead to lower energy consumption and a more positive impact on the environment resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
It’s worth noting that not all biodegradable lubricants are equal and have the same properties and characteristics, so it’s important to match the lubricant with the specific application and equipment to ensure it performs optimally and safely.
