Glycerol monooleate (C21H40O4) is a clear amber or pale yellow liquid. It is an oil-soluble surfactant and is classified as a monoglyceride. It is used as an antifoam in juice processing and as a lipophilic emulsifier for water-in-oil applications. It is a moisturizer, emulsifier, and flavoring agent. Various forms of glycerol oleate are widely used in cosmetics and it is also used as an excipient in antibiotics and other drugs.
However, glycerol monooleate (GMO) has linear molecular structures, which significantly improve the tribological performance. GMO has been widely used in lubricant oils as a friction modifier, and excellent lubricating performances were observed, such as the ultra-low friction obtained between two metal surfaces with oil.
The friction reduction mechanism of GMO transferred from physisorption to chemisorption,which reduced friction coefficient at both low and high temperature.
Energy efficiency increases by reducing friction, leading to reduced
heat loss by minimizing frictional heat. Reducing friction is a very essential characteristic in engine oil.