ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS - Isis Project No 70639
Technology Source: Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
New castor oil plant based biodegradable, environmentally friendly cutting fluid for lubricating industrial processes.
Marketing Opportunity
The market for metalworking fluids is valued at nearly Euros 1bn per annum in Europe alone. Lubricants are used in many industrial processes to:
- Improve performance within machines;
- Reduce operating temperatures;
- Ease residue removal; and,
- Improve durability.
However, manufacturing industries employing oil-based lubricants are a major source of pollutant wastes as most current lubricants are made from non-environmentally friendly mineral sources such as petroleum. Across the world, many countries have been establishing regulations to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and environmentally friendly lubricant alternatives are sought.
The USP Invention
This invention consists of a new formulation of compounds derived from the castor oil plant that characterize an efficient liquid as lubricant for industrial applications, especially in cutting processes.
The main advantages of the technology are:
- The fluid is biodegradable;
- The lubricant has a high water content;
- Low toxicity;
- The lubricant formulation has fewer chemical additives; and,
- Ease of disposal.
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| Biodegradable cutting fluid for cleaner production. | Cutting fluid is based on castor oil plant. |
Commercial Opportunity and Patent Status
This technology is owned by USP Innovation Agency, the technology transfer company of USP. USP is the leading research University in South America. This work is the subject of a patent application and USP Innovation Agency would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity that this represents. Please contact the USP Project Manager via Isis to discuss this further.
Request Further Information: Project Number 70639 - Environmentally Friendly Industrial Lubricants