The Development of a Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid

In this Phase I research project, Material Innovation, Inc., will develop a biodegradable and environmentally benign hydraulic fluid that minimizes hazardous pollution caused by accidental fluid spillage, lowers disposal costs of the used fluid, and helps the user industry to comply with environmental safety regulations. The operating temperature range for this hydraulic fluid will be from -54?C to 205?C. Its biodegradability will be greater than 80%. Its viscosity will be from 3.9+0.1 cSt at 100?C to 2100+100 cSt at -40?C. Its flash point and pour point will be 225+5?C and -60+3?C, respectively. In this research, an appropriate base fluid will be selected from a mixture of trimethylol propane ester, poly (decene-1), and a vegetable oil for hydraulic fluid. This fluid will possess excellent thermal stability, good lubricity, low pour point, high flash point, low toxicity, and good oxidative stability. Also, it is non-corrosive to common metals, has little or no effect on rubber seals, and is fire resistant. The proposed hydraulic fluid will be prepared and evaluated for its efficiency and tribological characteristics.