• Dr. Mainul Hoque

The depletion of global crude oil reservoir, rising prices of crude oil, and growing environmental concerns represent pressing issues that have the potential to significantly impact human lives. Addressing these challenges requires focused attention from researchers to identify an alternative solution and promote the development of a sustainable environment. This study aims to address these concerns by synthesizing homopolymer Neem oil (NO) and copolymers with N-butyl acrylate without the use of any solvents. Benzoyl peroxide (BZP) is employed as an initiator for polymerization, and the resulting polymers are evaluated as additives for lubricating oils. The synthesized polymers were characterization using the spectral techniques such as FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability is assessed through thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the molecular weight is determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The additives' performance as viscosity index improver (VII) and pour point depressants (PPD) is investigated in SN150 mineral oil by standard ASTM method. The biodegradability of all polymers was assessed using the disk diffusion method. The experimental findings and data analysis indicates that the copolymer exhibits promising properties as a multifunctional lubricating oil additive compared to the homopolymer. Additionally, an increase in the concentration of N-butyl acrylate in the copolymer results in higher average molecular weight, improved thermal stability, and enhanced performance as a VI and PPD. This suggests that adjusting the composition of the copolymer can positively enhance its molecular characteristics as well as performance as a lubricating oil additive.

Neem oil, Free radical polymerization, Pour point depressant, Viscosity index improver, Biodegradability.

"Synthesis of Neem oil - based greener additives for lubricating oil", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.d239-d249, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403329.pdf

"Synthesis of Neem oil - based greener additives for lubricating oil", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. ppd239-d249, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403329.pdf