Film-Forming Properties of Estolides

Estolides are biobased materials obtained from synthesis of ingredients derived from agricultural products. They are oligoesters obtained by the reaction of fatty acids and/or methyl esters with a double bond. By varying the chemistries of the starting materials and the reaction conditions, estolides of varying chemical structures, and physical properties are obtained. Estolides have been found to have suitable properties for some lubrication applications. However, the effect of estolide chemical/physical characterstics on its tribological properties have yet to be understood. In this work, the effect of estolide physical/chemical variability on its film-forming properties is examined.