| Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM creates new engine oil for lasting performance

By Azman Zakaria
Photos by Noor Azreen Awang



KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 - A group of Universiti Putra Malysia (UPM) researchers succeeded in creating a Green Synthetic Engine Oil - an engine oil formulated with the use of Trimethylolpropane ester (TMP ester) as the base oil or blends.

The use of TMP ester as the base oil or blends in biosynthetic engine oil not only improved biodegradability and lubricity of engine oil but also enhanced its level of performance, cleaning power and engine protection.

TMP ester which was produced by a group of researchers from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UPM, led by Prof. Dr. Robiah Yunus, is a synthetic ester that could be used as oil base for various types of lubricants, including engine oil.

She said the oil greatly reduced environmental degradation associated with petroleum-based products and exhibited excellent lubricating protection for extended engine performance.

“Green Synthetic Engine Oil is bio-based, environmental-friendly, non-toxic and do not accumulate in marine organisms. Engine oils and lubricants formulated or blended with TMP ester can be recycled and disposed of more freely than petroleum-based oil.”



She was speaking at a press conference after launching of the product by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, which was held in conjunction with International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (iGEM 2016) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Also present was UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris.

Prof. Dr. Robiah also said since TMP ester was biodegradable, it could minimize the impact of pollution and protect the environment caused by accidental spills or indiscriminate/illegal dumping of rubbish.

She added that the palm oil was used as a raw material to produce TMP ester by using low pressure technology to ensure that the TMP ester produced is stable and could withstand high temperature application like in engine oil.

The research took place from 2003 to 2013. It was commercialized by D20 Resources Sdn Bhd, a local company that runs palm oil-based business venture. – UPM


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