Volume 48, No 2, 2026, Pages 251-262
Download full text in PDFOptimization of Palm Oil Ester-Based Bio-lubricant Composition as Automotive Engine Oil by WASPAS Method
Authors:
Norhanifah Abdul Rahman 
,
Mohamad Ali Ahmad 
,
Jaharah A. Ghani ,
Muhamad Aidil Tasnim Roslan ,
Nor Husna Mislan
DOI: 10.24874/ti.2065.11.25.02
Received: 13 November 2025
Revised: 26 December 2025
Accepted: 20 February 2026
Published: 15 June 2026
Abstract:
The growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants has accelerated interest in bio-lubricants derived from renewable resources. Palm oil has emerged as a promising bio-lubricant alternative due to its renewable sourcing, biodegradability, and advantageous physicochemical properties. Although palm oil esters are suitable for automotive engine oil applications, they have constraints and limitations that can be improved with appropriate additives. This study aims to identify the optimal composition of palm oil ester-based oil blended with lubricating additive oil (OA) for automotive engine oil using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method. The palm oil ester base oil used in this study is trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO), with an OA and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The kinematic viscosity results were determined using a Cannon-Fenske viscometer at temperatures ranging from 40°C to 100°C. The coefficients of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) were measured using a four-ball tribometer. From the WASPAS method, TMPTO with 8 wt.% OA provided the optimum performance with the lowest COF and WSD. The sample was further improved by EVA with additives range from 0.5 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% concentration. The composition of 8 wt.% OA and 1 wt.% EVA was identified as the optimal formulation of the blended palm oil ester with additives, as it complies with the Engine Oil Viscosity Classification (SAE J300) standard.
Keywords:
Optimization, Palm oil ester, Biolubricant, Automotive, Wear, Friction
