Ageing mechanism of non-fossil base oils

Petroleum based base oils remain dominant in lubricants despite increasing sustainability demands. We evaluated biomass derived hydrocarbons as potential alternatives to mineral oils using laboratory screening methods. Several candidates matched the low viscosity range of conventional base oils but showed distinct oxidative behavior, including differences in induction times and oxidation products that correlated with molecular structure. Reaction pathways and mechanisms were studied through detailed product analysis and molecular orbital based computational calculations, which consistently explained the autoxidation intermediates. These results support the selective use of specific biogenic hydrocarbons and provide insight for developing advanced lubrication maintenance strategies for sustainable lubrication engineering.