Title

THE FUTURE OF LUBRICANTS IS IN “CLOSING THE CYCLE” AND ECO-TOXICITY; CUTTING OIL EMULSIONS AS AN EXAMPLE

Authorship

Satish V. Kailas; K. R. Sathwik Chatra

Satish V. Kailas

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K. R. Sathwik Chatra

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DOI

10.5151/1472-5836-25456

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Abstract

For product sustainability “closing the cycle” is the first requirement. If the materials used in making the product is not replenished at the rate at which it is being extracted, the cycle is open and the product would not be sustainable. This includes the materials used in generating the energy used to make the product, the transportation, use and disposal. If the materials used in a product, that includes lubricants, is one that cannot be replenished, it has to be recycled for the product to be sustainable. The other basic condition for sustainability is the eco-friendliness of the product. It is argued that the present lubricants do not fall in this category. Using the example of cutting oil emulsions we have shown that it is possible to meet the conditions of sustainability in terms of both the material extraction-replenishment cycle and eco-toxicity. Cutting oil emulsions made from coconut oil and natural additives are shown to have superior cutting properties and are completely eco-friendly. It is concluded that products made using these conditions are possible and is a necessity for man to lead a sustainable life. Closing the cycle, with respect to the energy used in the cycle will make the product completely eco-friendly.

Keywords

Sustainability; Closing the cycle; Eco-toxicity; Lubricants; Cutting oils