Dataset of the article: A sustainable methanol-based solvent exchange method to produce nanocellulose-based ecofriendly lubricants

Sustainable oleogels were developed by dispersing cellulose nanofibrils from elm kraft pulps into castor oil, achieving grease‑like rheology at only 1.4 wt.%. A methanol‑based solvent‑exchange method enabled transferring never‑dried nanofibrils into oil without aggregation. Mechanical and TEMPO‑oxidized nanofibers produced homogeneous and storage‑stable oleogels. These results highlight the suitability of the methanol‑based solvent‑exchange method to obtain nanocellulose‑based biogreases and the potential of these oleogels as eco‑friendly lubricating greases for industrial use.
Cellulose nanofibers were produced from elm pulps via kraft pulping, bleaching, and either mechanical (PFI + microfluidization) or chemical (TEMPO) pretreatments. Nanofibers were characterized through composition analysis, AFM, XRD, and water‑sorption isotherms. Oleogels were prepared by transferring aqueous CNF hydrogels into castor oil using a methanol‑based solvent‑exchange protocol, followed by vacuum solvent removal. Final oleogels were evaluated by SEM, DSC, TGA, penetration testing, and rheology to assess structure, stability, and lubrication‑relevant properties.
More info: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128673