Synthesis and properties of trimethylolpropane trioleate as lubricating base oil

Abstract Trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) has been prepared by esterification of oleic acid with trimethylolpropane (TMP) without solvent in the presence of solid acid catalyst. The synthesised TMPTO was characterised by infrared spectroscopy, and its physicochemical properties were also evaluated. The compatibilities of TMPTO as lubricant base stock with several conventional additives for mineral oils were investigated. The results showed that the synthesised TMPTO exhibited excellent viscosity–temperature property and low temperature fluidity, high flash point, good foaming stability, hydrolytic stability, and lubricity. In addition, TMPTO possessed good compatibility with conventional additives designed for mineral oils. In particular, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates as extreme pressure and anti‐wear additive exhibited good extreme pressure and anti‐wear properties in TMPTO. Therefore, the synthesised TMPTO can be used as potential lubricating base oil due to its excellent comprehensive performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.