Production of Lubricant Grease From Waste Palm Fruit Bunch and Plantain Peel

The indiscriminate disposal of agricultural waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution in today’s world. This study aims to mitigate this issue by synthesizing a bio-lubricant grease from agricultural wastes, specifically plantain peels and palm kernel bunches. The methodology involved the preparation of bio-alkaline solutions through the carbonization of these agricultural wastes. The carbonized materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bio-alkaline solutions were employed in a saponification reaction with palm kernel oil, and the resulting soap was blended with shea butter oil and coconut oil to produce the bio-lubricant grease. SEM analysis revealed a rough, heterogeneous surface for carbonized plantain peels and a porous texture for carbonized palm kernel bunches. FTIR spectra identified characteristic absorption bands at 3145.9 cm⁻¹ and 3127 cm⁻¹ for plantain peels and palm kernel bunches, respectively. XRD data indicated a crystalline nature for carbonized plantain peels and an amorphous structure with embedded crystals for carbonized palm kernel bunches. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized bio-lubricant grease, such as oxidation stability at 80ºC (25–35 mins), thermal stability (up to 194°C), dropping point (143.8 ºC), viscosity of up to 6030.3 mPa/S for one of the samples were comparable to conventional grease. These results demonstrate the feasibility of converting agricultural waste into high-value bio-lubricants, offering a sustainable solution to waste management and environmental pollution.