| Abstract: | Renewable‐based lubricants are being considered as potential alternatives to petroleum‐based lubricants for various reasons, mainly increased environmental sensitivity. However, understanding the tribological performance of such vegetable‐based lubricants under elevated temperatures is critical for their industrial implementation. This study focuses on the friction and abrasion rate characteristics of soybean and sunflower base oils in comparison to a base mineral oil under sliding wear at elevated temperatures. It was found that the abrasion rate and friction were less severe for the vegetable‐based lubricants up to temperatures around 100°C. The observed performance of the vegetable‐based lubricants was verified using a kinetic reaction mechanism model of lubricant degradation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
