The dilemma of promoting green products: what we know and don't know about biobased metalworking fluids

Abstract

Advocates of "green products" argue that promoting these products can protect the environment, workers, and public health. Biobased metalworking fluids (MWFs) are among the products promoted as "green products." The main question is, what constitutes a green product? To answer this question, the authors compared and contrasted the health and safety aspects of biobased and petroleum-based MWFs in terms of their additives. These two product categories of MWFs derived from various feedstocks were investigated through interviews and literature review. Three classes of biobased MWFs and four classes of petroleum-based MWFs were identified and compared. The little information available on the individual constituents for biobased MWFs indicates that they had biocides and preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure, and antiwear components, which are also common additives in petroleum-based MWFs. Precautionary approaches should be taken when promoting biobased MWFs as "green products" until individual components are evaluated for their health and safety impacts.