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Rheological Properties of Soybean Oil with Nano Additives: A Comprehensive Analysis

Rheological Properties of Soybean Oil with Nano Additives: A Comprehensive Analysis
representation of the mathematical function of the dependence of dynamic viscosity on temperature and additive concentration
Summary
This Learning Object introduces students to the rheological behavior of soybean oil with nano-additives (graphite, graphene, and nanocarbon) as a pathway to developing biodegradable lubricants. Using experimental data and mathematical modeling (power law and temperature-dependent viscosity equations), the study examines how nano-additives influence viscosity, thixotropy, and flow properties. This provides a concrete case study in Green Chemistry, illustrating how renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable feedstocks such as soybean oil can replace petroleum-based lubricants in industrial and mechanical applications.

For Green Chemistry education, this work highlights key principles: the use of renewable feedstocks, designing safer chemicals and products, and advancing sustainability in materials design. Students will analyze how nano-additive modification can tune material performance, evaluate the environmental benefits compared to synthetic lubricants, and reflect on the role of chemistry in achieving sustainability and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Relevance to Green Chemistry Learning:
This article is a valuable teaching resource because it connects fundamental physical chemistry concepts (rheology, viscosity, shear stress/strain) with applied sustainability solutions. By investigating soybean oil-based lubricants enhanced with nano-additives, students explore how renewable resources can replace petroleum-derived lubricants while maintaining high performance. This work reinforces the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, particularly renewable feedstocks, safer design, and designing for degradation, while also connecting chemistry to broader sustainability challenges such as responsible consumption (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13).

Citation of Original Work: Stanciu; Asian J. Adv. Res., vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 408-412, 2024.
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
By the end of this Learning Object, students will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding
1. Explain how soybean oil functions as a renewable and biodegradable base for lubricant design.
2. Describe how nano-additives (graphite, graphene, nanocarbon) alter the rheological behavior (viscosity, thixotropy, flow properties) of bio-based lubricants.
3. Identify which principles of Green Chemistry are illustrated in this case study (e.g., use of renewable feedstocks, safer products, designing for degradation).

Skills & Practices
1. Analyze and interpret experimental rheological data (shear rate vs. viscosity, temperature dependence).
2. Apply mathematical models (power-law, temperature–viscosity equations) to evaluate flow behavior and compare to experimental findings.
3. Evaluate trade-offs between petroleum-based lubricants and soybean oil-based alternatives in terms of performance, cost, and sustainability.
4. Construct explanations and arguments from evidence about the industrial and environmental implications of bio-based lubricant development.

Attitudes & Applications
1. Recognize the importance of renewable feedstocks in reducing environmental impact and petroleum dependence.
2. Reflect on how small-scale molecular or additive modifications can have large-scale impacts on sustainability and industrial innovation.
3. Connect laboratory and research practices to global sustainability goals (e.g., SDGs 9, 12, and 13).
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Case studies
Journal articles
Audience
Upper/Advanced Undergraduate
Common pedagogies covered
Blended learning
Hands-on learning
Green Chemistry Principles
Designing Safer Chemicals
Design for Energy Efficiency
Design for Degradation
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-Being
Affordable and Clean Energy
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
Safety Precautions
1. Use PPE: gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles when handling nanoadditives.
2. Ensure proper ventilation in the lab to avoid inhalation of nanoparticles.
3. Operate the Brookfield CAP 2000+ viscometer within its safe temperature range (5°C–75°C).
4. Use software-controlled systems (CAPCALC 32) to minimize manual errors and exposure.
Handle heated samples with caution to prevent burns.

Hazards
1. Nanoparticle exposure: potential respiratory and dermal risks.
2. Thermal hazards: risk of burns from heated oil samples.
3. Chemical interactions: unknown reactions between nanoadditives and base oil.
4. Environmental risks: improper disposal of nanoadditive-laden oil may affect ecosystems.

Risk Assessment
1. Evaluate concentration and type of nanoadditives used.
2. Monitor equipment calibration and performance to avoid data errors or accidents.
3. Assess thixotropic behavior at high shear rates (600–2000 s⁻¹) for mechanical stress risks.
4. Ensure safe disposal protocols for used oil and nanoadditives.
5. Consider long-term exposure effects of nanoadditives on lab personnel and environment.
NGSS Standards, if applicable
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
– Students connect molecular structure (soybean oil triglycerides, nano-additives like graphene) to macroscopic flow properties (viscosity, thixotropy).

PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
– The study illustrates how additives alter intermolecular interactions, showing that chemical modification affects rheological behavior.

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
– Demonstrates the environmental benefits of replacing petroleum-based lubricants with biodegradable, renewable soybean oil formulations.

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions
– Provides an example of engineering trade-offs: improving lubrication performance while advancing sustainability goals.

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
– Students interpret rheological data (viscosity vs. shear rate, temperature, additive concentration) and fit it to mathematical models.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
– Apply the power-law model and exponential viscosity–temperature relationship to experimental data.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
– Explain how nano-additives change performance and propose green chemistry-based alternatives for lubricants.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence
– Debate whether soybean oil-based lubricants are viable industrial alternatives to petroleum-based systems.

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
Cause and Effect
– Explore how nano-additive type (carbon vs. graphene vs. graphite) directly affects viscosity and thixotropy.

Energy and Matter
– Trace renewable raw materials (soybean oil) through modification into functional products, emphasizing resource cycles.

Stability and Change
– Evaluate how lubricant properties shift with shear, temperature, and additive concentration.

Systems and System Models
– Place bio-lubricants within the larger system of industrial production, environmental impact, and sustainability goals.

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