Biodegradable synthetic lubricants

Abstract

The invention relates to synthetic esters made from materials which can be derived from renewable resources.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A lubricant formulation having an ester as the base material, the improvement comprising making said ester by reacting sorbitol with 3 to 6 molar equivalents of mixed linear fatty acids.  
     
     
         2 . The lubricant formulation according to  claim 1 , wherein said mixed linear fatty acids are selected from C 6  to C 12  acids.  
     
     
         3 . The lubricant formulation according to  claim 1 , wherein said mixed linear fatty acids are selected from C 6 , C 8 , C 10 , and C 12  acids.  
     
     
         4 . The lubricant formulation according to  claim 1 , wherein said mixed linear fatty acids are caprylic and capric acids.  
     
     
         5 . The lubricant formulation according to  claim 1 , wherein said base material is made by reacting sorbitol with a 60:40 wt % mixture of caprylic and capric acids.  
     
     
         6 . A hydraulic fluid for equipment used in forestry, mining, or agricultural operations comprising a base stock consisting essentially of an ester derived from natural products.  
     
     
         7 . The hydraulic fluid according to  claim 6 , wherein said ester is made esterifying at least one linear acid derived from coconut oil with a linear alcohol derived from corn.