Rheological Effects of Montmorillonite and Ethyl Cellulose for Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge Oil-based Lubricants

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge oil exhibits favorable characteristics such as excellent low temperature fluidity, high flash point, and degradability. However, it also suffers from drawbacks including low kinematic viscosity at low temperatures and significant loss of kinematic viscosity at high temperatures. In view of these characteristics of X. sorbifolium oil, it was modified in this work with a combination of ethyl cellulose (EC), montmorillonite (MMT), and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAB). The effects of temperature, time, and additive content on the rheological properties of lubricating oil were studied. The kinematic viscosity of the prepared lubricating oil reached up to 433 mm2/s at 40 °C and 51.1 mm2/s at 100 °C. The coagulation point could be reduced to -25 °C, the friction coefficient was 0.026, and the average wear spot diameter was 0.81 mm, The anti-friction performance was enhanced, and the anti-wear performance decreased somewhat. The prepared lubricating oil had the characteristics of high kinematic viscosity at high temperature and excellent rheological properties at low temperature. It also met the energy and environmental application requirements of a green, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable sustainable development strategy. This study greatly broadens the application range of lubricating oil.