Production and Performance Evaluation of Shea Butter-Based Lubricating Grease

Jamiu Odusote, H. Oni, Adekunle Adeleke, Peter Ikubanni, Peter Omoniyi*, Tien Chien Jen, Esther Akinlabi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

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Abstract

The overwhelming cost of conventional lubricants has instigated the need for alternatives in the engineering industry. This study identified the physicochemical properties of Shea butter made from the shea nut and their application as a bio-grease in the food processing and industrial sectors. Some preliminary tests were conducted to ascertain the combination of materials that will produce grease with the right consistency as the commercial product. Results on its physicochemical properties showed that shea butter was suitable for use as lube base oil. Best bio-grease was obtained with mass combinations of 80.0 g of Shea butter, 0.5 g of resin, 1.0 g of P.K.O, 1.5 g of calcium hydroxide, 8 g of stearic acid, 1.5 g of silicate, 1.5 g of sodium carbonate, 4 g of biochar, and 2 g of cellulose. The physicochemical properties observed were evaporation loss (1.2%), ash content (4%), moisture content (0%), flash point (146.5°C), fire point (155°C), pour point (25.9°C), and density (0.97 g/cm3). Most of the properties of the bio-grease were found to be comparable with conventional grease. In addition, since the bio-grease was produced from majorly edible sources and based on its properties, it could be classified as H3 food-grade grease.

Original languageEnglish
Article number01297
Number of pages10
JournalE3S Web of Conferences
Volume430
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Oct 2023
Event15th International Conference on Materials Processing and Characterization, ICMPC 2023 - Newcastle, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 Sept 20238 Sept 2023

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