Two distinct process routes were developed: a high-temperature (HT) pathway involving sequential hydrolysis, dehydration, Friedel–Crafts (FC) acylation, and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO); and a novel low-temperature (LT) pathway that consolidates hydrolysis and dehydration into a single energy-efficient step prior to FC acylation at 80 °C. Both routes utilize biomass-derived cyclic oxygenates and acyl intermediates (oleyl chloride and oleic anhydride) to promote Friedel–Crafts reactions, generating long-chain, branched molecular structures that enhance lubricant functionality.
Four biolubricants—FC-HT-VVO, FC-HT-WCO, FC-LT-VVO, and FC-LT-WCO—were synthesized and characterized for key automotive performance metrics, including viscosity index (VI), Noack volatility, pour point, total acid number (TAN), and oxidative stability (RPVOT). FC-LT-VVO exhibited the highest oxidative stability and lowest volatility, while WCO-derived lubricants demonstrated lower TANs, showcasing their environmental and performance advantages.