Applications of Synthetic Esters in Metalworking Fluids
Release time:
2022-06-22
Author:
Goncord Oil
The development trend of metalworking fluids calls for characteristics such as non-toxicity, low odor, minimal oil mist, extended service life, reduced wastewater treatment costs, and high biodegradability. Synthetic ester‑based product lines that meet these requirements are increasingly being incorporated into metalworking fluid formulations. Among them, isooctyl oleate and trimethylolpropane oleate stand out, playing a crucial role in metalworking fluids by replacing conventional ingredients like sulfurized tallow, refined tallow, and fatty acids. This substitution further enhances the lubricity, environmental compatibility, and service life of the fluids. Commonly used oleate esters include polyol‑based oleates—such as trimethylolpropane oleate—and mono‑oleate esters—such as isooctyl oleate.
The development trend of metalworking fluids calls for properties such as non-toxicity, low odor, minimal oil mist, extended service life, reduced wastewater treatment costs, and high biodegradability. Synthetic ester‑based product lines that meet these criteria are increasingly being incorporated into metalworking fluid formulations. Among them, isooctyl oleate and trimethylolpropane oleate stand out, playing a crucial role in metalworking fluids by replacing conventional ingredients like sulfurized tallow, refined tallow, and fatty acids. This substitution further enhances the lubricity, environmental compatibility, and service life of the fluids. Commonly used oleate esters include polyol‑based oleates—such as trimethylolpropane oleate—and mono‑oleate esters—such as isooctyl oleate.
Trimethylolpropane oleate is an ISO 46‑grade polyol ester that is biodegradable, hydroxyl‑stable, and characterized by a high flash point and low pour point. It is ideally suited for applications in environments with stringent environmental requirements and finds extensive use as a synthetic base oil and additive. Compared to isooctyl oleate, its multiple ester groups confer superior lubricity, a high viscosity index, and excellent fire resistance. With a biodegradability rate exceeding 90%, the easily emulsifiable grade is widely employed as an oil‑based additive in cold‑rolling thin‑sheet oils, steel‑tube drawing oils, cutting fluids, and other metalworking fluids; it can also serve as an intermediate in textile and leather auxiliaries and as a textile oiling agent. Meanwhile, the less‑emulsifiable grade is suitable as a base oil in automotive gear lubricants or in fire‑resistant hydraulic oils of grades 46 and 68. Automotive gear lubricants formulated with trimethylolpropane oleate are prepared by heating and uniformly blending this base oil, offering outstanding extreme‑pressure and anti‑wear performance, high load‑carrying capacity, and meeting the needs of medium‑load vehicle gear lubrication. Fatty acid ester hydraulic fluids (HFDUs) have emerged as a growing trend for fire‑resistant hydraulic applications. These fluids exhibit excellent lubricity, superior thermal stability, good fire resistance, and favorable biodegradability. Their non‑toxic nature and strong biodegradability give them a competitive edge over phosphate‑ester‑based fluids, enabling them to replace portions of mineral oils in continuous casting line hydraulic systems at steel mills, quenching hydraulic systems in the machinery industry, and conveyor‑system hydraulics. The easily emulsifiable grade of trimethylolpropane oleate is primarily used in metalworking fluid formulations, substituting for sulfurized tallow and tall oil. This enhances the lubricity of the fluid, extends the service life of the working oil, and reduces potential health hazards to operators. For instance, a domestic manufacturer of metalworking fluids previously relied heavily on sulfurized tallow in its process oils supplied to downstream metal‑processing plants. However, downstream facilities complained about the overpowering odor, which was intolerable for workers. After switching to a formulation based on trimethylolpropane oleate, the issue was successfully resolved. Although costs increased slightly, the extended service life of the fluid resulted in overall operating expenses that did not rise significantly.
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