Extraction and Analysis of Chemo-physical Properties of Yellow Oleander Oil as Lubricant

Yellow Oleander (Thevetia Peruviana) oil has been extracted and analyzed relevant to lubrication. Oil was extracted from yellow oleander seeds using mechanical expression and solvent extraction methods. Samples generated from these oils were subjected to chemo-physical analysis. Analysis of chemo-physical properties (such as viscosity, specific gravity, viscosity-temperature coefficient and fire point among others) was carried out using simple laboratory equipment. Results obtained showed that yellow oleander oil have properties that fall within the range of standard oil lubricants. High flash and fire points of 350°C and 375°C respectively were obtained. Free fatty acids content of 5.61% against a standard range of 35%-50% for natural oils. Specific gravity of 0.89-0.92 was obtained against a standard range of 0.76-0.92 for oil lubricants. The oil can be used as lubricant in environmentally sensitive areas such as total loss lubrication and marine ecosystems with associated positive environmental and economic impact.