[LINK] O/T Safflower oil a possible replacement for petroleum

[Stephen Loosley]

Jan (and Karl) write,

> Uh, bio fuel anyone? It's not new. Maybe this sort of plant is, but
> the idea of using grains of various sorts for fuel is what is in E10.


As John kindly writes, this initiative is BOTH a lubricant and a fuel.

Quoting the article ..

“Australian scientists may have (found) a plant-based alternative to
petroleum-based engine oils, one that can be recycled, reused and
breaks down in the environment. Initial studies show safflower oil to
be a superior lubricant (regarding) friction and wear on components.

"To have a product that needs very little refining, it’s biodegradable,
is a bio-energy, is a bio-fuel and something that displaces petroleum,
(is) very exciting.”
.
The biofuel is produced from specially-bred with high levels of oleic
Acid. Oelic acid is a lubricating compound with a range of uses, from
heart pacemakers to cosmetics.

"It's a breakthrough, a gamechanger for lubricants," Dr Maglinao said.

"It's better than what we see in petroleum, so, it's a massive market.”

The US has mandated all government departments, including the military,
must move to using plant-based lubricants by 2025

"This will be great export money for Australia," Mr Kleinig said.

"Royalties go back to CSIRO to invest in further fantastic plant research."