Biodegradation mineral oils

Mass chromatography of mlz 146 and 148 and mlz 180 and 182 is shown to be highly selective for di- and trichlorobenzenes. These components are only present in relatively minor amounts. A mass chromatogram at mlz 88 showed the presence of the rather volatile compound dioxane. This sediment sample obviously is heavily polluted with non-biodegraded mineral oil fractions and a number of other components (i.e. stearic acid, chlorinated benzenes), which point to spills of numerous bulk chemicals. 

Apart from being used as bio-diesel , fatty acid esters, which are obtained from fatty acids and alcohols, are becoming increasingly interesting as biodegradable replacements for mineral oils. In some application areas such as chain-saw oil, gearbox oils, hydraulic oils and lubricants for crude oil production these oleochemical products have already proved themselves. 

Current developments refer to the use of specially designed fatty acid esters in a wide range of applications as biodegradable lubricants. Meanwhile, environmentally friendly alternatives are available for almost all mineral oil-based products. In Europe, the long-term potential is estimated to be 10-20% of the total market (500000-1000000 tonnes year-1, Table 4.4) [15b], In 1997, 40000 tonnes... 

Table 4. Batch tests measuring mineral oil biodegradation under biostimulation by air and nutrient supplementation.

Chemical Industries are represented by BASF SE, Showa Denko, WACKER and DOW Chemicals, who are best qualified to present challenges and requirements of biodegradable polymers on an industrial scale. Information on mineral oil-based polyesters, poly(vinylalcohol), poly(butylenesuccinate), and new developments in the field of poly(urethanes) from renewable sources can be found within this volume. 

Christensen, J.H., Hansen, A. B Karlson, U., Mortensen, J. and Andersen, O. (2005). Multivariate statistical methods for evaluating biodegradation of mineral oil. 

Mineral oil-derived fatty acids are shorter and more branched than vegetable-derived fatty acids and are always saturated and much more resistant to biodegradation. This suits use in high-temperature or high-wear situations, such as in engines. However, vegetable-based oils still find many uses in industry. 

Biodegradable polymers can also be made from mineral oil based resources such as the aliphatic-aromatic co-polyester types. Mixtures of synthetic degradable polyesters and pure plant starch, known as starch blends, are also well-established products on the market. 

Functions as a co-emulsifier for silicone in cleaner polishes and mold release agents, and as an all purpose oil and fat emulsifier in industrial lubricants. For textile applications, this biodegradable, oil-soluble, water-dispersible ether is used as an emulsifier for mineral oil in lubricants such as coning oils. When sulfated, it forms a high-foaming anionic surfactant. 

Soybean oil (SBO) and high oleic (90%) sunflower oil (HOSO) were chosen for evaluation as examples of vegetable oils (62). Polyalphaolephin and adipate represented widely used synthetic biodegradable lubricating basestocks. The mineral oil was a typical non-biodegradable basestock mostly used for formulations of automotive lubricants. Except for natural antioxidants, the above fluids did not have any additives. 

Many oils, particularly those of vegetable origin, are liable to autooxidation with subsequent rancidity, and it is frequently necessary to add an antioxidant and/or preservative to inhibit this degradation process. For externally applied emulsions, mineral oils, either alone or combined with soft or hard paraffins, are widely used both as the vehicle for the drug and for their occlusive and sensory characteristics. The most widely used oils in oral preparations are non-biodegradable mineral and castor oils that provide a local laxative effect, and fish liver oils or various fixed oils of vegetable origin (e.g., arachis, cottonseed, and maize oils) as nutritional supplements. 

The requirement for lubricants to operate at higher temperature has caused a move away from mineral oil base oils to esters. Due to the better temperature stability of polyols, there is a growing tendency to use them in preference to diesters. Responding to increased environmental quality requirements, ester chemistry has been modified to produce compounds with high biodegradability, low toxicity and very low engine emissions. 

Presently, there is a strong demand for environmentally acceptable fluids. As biolubes , they need to satisfy biodegradation and bioaccumulation standards, which mineral oil-based fluids cannot achieve. Therefore, the use of synthetic and natural esters for many industrial applications will develop [119]. Not only the base fluids but also the antioxidants used in them will have to fulfil certain specifications for aquatic toxicity, biodegradation and bioaccumulation. Because the antioxidant response of these new fluids is different from mineral oil-based lubricants, new classes of ashless bio-antioxidants may need to be developed. 

In terms of their chemistry, hydraulic lubricants are divided into four classes (i) mineral oil-based products, (ii) synthetic lubricants, (iii) emulsions, and (iv) water-based fluids. Biodegradable hydraulic fluids are a new ISO classification group and will be described separately. 

Ester-based base oils have certain inherent properties such as good VI, and therefore no need of VI improver additives, additive solubility, detergency and disper-sancy, an affinity for metal surfaces, and are more biodegradable than mineral oils. 

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