Before the rise of synthetic materials for use in machinery, the world of oil-based lubricants was heavily, if not entirely, composed of naturally-sourced oils and greases. As the Industrial Revolution emerged, however, more and more synthetic lubricants began to be introduced to match the increased use of metal machinery.
Despite what many would consider advancements in the industry, it cannot be denied that it has caused a great price to pay when it comes to the industrial impact on the environment. Oil spills in the ocean, improper disposal of synthetic wastes that take centuries to degrade — the list goes on. Fortunately, as the world has reached its now more modern approach to the industry, more and more companies are placing their focus on producing lubricants that are as efficient as they are friendly to Mother Nature.
Here are some sources many farmers and factories can look to for bio-based oils and lubricants.
Vegetable Oils
That’s right! Vegetable oil isn’t just for kitchen use. Throughout the years it has proven itself a valuable form of lubrication for industrial uses. It is well noted for its lubricity, which can be so potent that in other trial uses, it required the assistance of friction-inducing materials to balance it out and reduce clutch slippage.
Vegetable oil, such as soybean oil, is also noted for its ability to maintain its viscosity in the face of major temperature changes, as well as their typically high fire and flashpoints, which is known to register at 610°F (326°C).
White Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, particularly, white mineral oil, is another age-old essential that has recently earned a reputation for being a fantastic industrial-use lubricant. This colorless and tasteless oil consisting of saturated hydrocarbons, which is a result of its coming from crude petroleum refining, easily dissolves in many organic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and benzene. Throughout the ages, it has been popular in use for various cosmetics products, pharmaceuticals, food, and plastics.
Well regarded as being food-safe, it’s the prime oil of choice for food production and food packaging factories as white mineral oil is significantly less hazardous compared to synthetic oils. With such amazing benefits, it’s no wonder so many factories and industrial companies look to white mineral oils suppliers for safe, efficient, and eco-friendly options.
When it comes to lubricants, we truly do not have to choose between efficiency and eco-friendliness anymore. Biodegradable, bio-based oils and lubricants continue to prove themselves as valuable options that not only provide healthier products for end-consumers but allow for easier disposal and more renewable sourcing as well.
This hopefully becomes a greater step for the industry to become more ecologically-responsible!
