Industrial & Mechanical Uses of Mustard Oil: Applications & Benefits

Introduction
Mustard oil, often recognized for its culinary and medicinal applications, is also gaining recognition and holds significant value in industrial and mechanical sectors because of its unique properties. It possesses properties like biodegradability, natural viscosity, lubricating ability, and rich fatty acid composition, offering multi-functional applications in fuels, industrial lubricants, protective coatings, and various processing industries. These unique properties make it a valuable, sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based products. The biodegradable nature of mustard oil makes it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic oils. Its natural viscosity ensures stable flow and performance under varying conditions, while its high lubricity helps reduce friction, wear, and energy loss in machinery. In addition, the unique fatty acid composition of mustard oil enhances its adaptability, allowing it to be transformed into biofuels, industrial lubricants, protective coatings, and other processing applications.
This combination of properties makes mustard oil a multi-functional and sustainable choice for industries seeking renewable solutions without compromising efficiency.

1. Overview & Historical Context

Mustard oil has been widely used in traditional industries not only as a cooking medium but also as a natural lubricant for equipment and tools. Its natural stickiness and resistance to rancidity made it an ideal lubricant for carts, wooden wheels, manual grinding stones, and agricultural tools, where durability and cost-effectiveness were essential. In rural communities, it was valued as a readily available, eco-friendly, and long-lasting lubricant, helping equipment function smoothly without the need for expensive alternatives.
Today, these same properties are finding renewed importance in the industrial bio-lubricant sector. Modern research highlights how mustard oil’s fatty acid profile and oxidative stability allow it to be refined into high-performance bio-lubricants for engines, machinery, and industrial applications. This continuity—from traditional mechanical lubrication to advanced green technologies—positions mustard oil as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adopt renewable resources.

2. Chemical & Physical Properties Relevant to Industry

Fatty-Acid Profile and Implications for Performance

One of the key reasons mustard oil is being explored for industrial and mechanical uses lies in its fatty acid profile. The oil contains a high erucic acid content, which provides excellent film strength, meaning it can form a stable protective layer on metal surfaces. This property is vital in machinery applications, as it helps minimize friction, heat generation, and metal wear, ultimately extending the life of equipment.
Compared to conventional mineral-based lubricants, mustard oil offers the dual advantage of biodegradability and superior lubricity. While petroleum oils often degrade into harmful byproducts, mustard oil’s natural composition allows it to act as a cleaner and more sustainable option. Modern studies are now testing mustard oil-based formulations in industrial engines, gear systems, and agricultural machinery, showing promising results in both performance and environmental safety.
This makes mustard oil not only a traditional solution but also a modern green alternative to synthetic lubricants, bridging the gap between eco-friendly innovation and industrial efficiency.

Viscosity, Flash Point, and Pour Point

Mustard oil’s viscosity makes it highly suitable for use as a gear and hydraulic lubricant, ensuring stable flow and reliable performance in mechanical systems. Another advantage is its high flash point, which significantly reduces fire hazards, making it safer to handle in industrial environments compared to some conventional oils.

• Viscosity: Highly suitable for use as a gear and hydraulic lubricant.
• Flash Point: High, reducing fire hazards.
• Pour Point: Moderate, making cold-flow behavior a challenge.

These physical properties make mustard oil a competitive alternative to mineral oils in specific niches, particularly where safety, eco-friendliness, and performance stability are prioritized.

Oxidative Stability and Thermal Behavior

Oxidative stability is moderate compared to synthetic oils, meaning antioxidants may be needed in formulations. At high temperatures, the oil retains lubricity but may degrade without chemical modification.

Biodegradability and Environmental Profile

Mustard oil stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic lubricants because of its biodegradable and non-toxic profile. Unlike petroleum-based oils that can pollute soil and water, mustard oil naturally breaks down without leaving harmful residues. This makes it particularly valuable as an environmentally safe lubricant for use in agriculture, food processing, and other eco-sensitive industries where contamination risks must be minimized.

Eco-friendly benefits of mustard oil include:

• Safe for soil health and groundwater protection
• Non-toxic to plants, animals, and aquatic life
• Supports reduced carbon footprint compared to mineral oils
• Complies with sustainable and renewable energy practices

By combining industrial performance with environmental safety, mustard oil is increasingly recognized as a green industrial solution that aligns with global sustainability goals and eco-regulations.

3. Mustard Oil as a Biofuel & Biodiesel Feedstock

Transesterification and Biodiesel Production

One of the most promising industrial applications of mustard oil lies in biodiesel production. Through the process of transesterification, the oil can be efficiently converted into mustard oil biodiesel, a renewable and eco-friendly fuel. Because mustard seeds naturally contain a high oil yield — often reaching up to 36% oil content — the crop offers a sustainable and efficient feedstock for biofuel production.
This makes mustard oil particularly valuable for regions seeking energy independence and cleaner fuel alternatives. Biodiesel derived from mustard oil not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also delivers lower emissions, improved engine lubricity, and better biodegradability compared to conventional diesel.
As global industries and governments push for renewable energy transitions, mustard oil biodiesel is gaining attention as a cost-effective and scalable solution in the renewable fuels sector.

Fuel Properties, Cold-Flow & Cetane Considerations

Mustard oil biodiesel has:

• Mustard oil biodiesel shows an acceptable cetane number, which supports efficient combustion and smoother engine performance.
• Poor cold-flow properties, limiting use in colder climates without additives. Additives or blending with other biodiesel sources are often recommended, making mustard oil biodiesel more practical for wider use.

Engine Performance and Emissions

Studies highlight that mustard oil biodiesel improves engine performance while lowering environmental impact. It significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil diesel. However, research also notes a slight increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can be managed through engine tuning or emission-control technologies. This balance makes mustard oil biodiesel a promising choice for sustainable fuel applications.

Feedstock Sourcing and Economics

Mustard seeds are increasingly recognized as a sustainable and affordable feedstock for biodiesel production. Their ability to grow well in marginal soils with minimal inputs gives farmers an economic edge while ensuring steady supply for the energy sector. Compared to other oilseeds, mustard requires fewer resources, making it a cost-efficient choice for renewable fuel projects. This balance of low cultivation cost, high oil yield, and adaptability strengthens mustard oil’s position as a competitive raw material in the global biofuel market.

Case Studies and Pilot Projects

Pilot plants in India, Canada, and Europe have explored mustard oil biodiesel, showing promise in renewable energy markets.

4. Lubrication & Metalworking Applications

Cutting Fluids and Metalworking Oils

Mustard oil is used as a biodegradable cutting fluid. Its film strength reduces tool wear and improves cutting efficiency.

Anti-Seize Compounds and Rust Prevention

Mustard oil contains natural sulfur compounds that give it powerful protective qualities against rust and metal degradation. These compounds create a thin, resistant layer on metal surfaces, preventing oxidation and corrosion. This makes mustard oil a useful, eco-friendly alternative in anti-seize compounds for machinery, tools, and industrial joints. Its natural lubricity not only reduces friction but also minimizes wear and tear, helping extend the life of metal equipment. As industries move toward greener solutions, mustard oil is increasingly recognized as a sustainable option for rust prevention and maintenance.

Gear, Chain, and Bearing Lubrication

Mustard oil’s viscosity makes it suitable for chain oils, gears, and bearings in light to medium load machinery.

Blending with Mineral and Synthetic Oils

Industrial formulations often blend mustard oil with synthetics to balance oxidative stability with eco-friendliness.

Performance Testing and Wear Reduction

Studies confirm mustard oil lubricants reduce friction and wear compared to mineral oils in controlled conditions.

5. Hydraulic Fluids & Industrial Oils

Mustard oil is increasingly being studied as a hydraulic fluid, especially in eco-sensitive industries such as agriculture, forestry, and marine operations. With its moderate viscosity index and natural biodegradability, mustard oil-based fluids provide a safer alternative to petroleum-based hydraulic oils. They deliver reliable performance while reducing the risk of environmental contamination from leaks or spills. This makes mustard oil an attractive option for industries seeking sustainable and high-performance hydraulic solutions.

References:

• Al-Azzawi, A. A., & Abbas, A. A. (2018). Tribological Characteristics Evaluation of Mustard Oil Blends. Journal of Engineering, 24(11), 84–95. University of Baghdad. Retrieved from https://doaj.org/article/c423c6d735594b6db56a627f82e8b4a5
• Kumar, N., Singh, D., & Ghosh, A. (2019). Comparative evaluation of lubricant properties of biodegradable blend of coconut and mustard oil. Journal of Cleaner Production, 229, 1255–1265. Elsevier. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.023
• Abbas, A. A., & Abdulhameed, Z. T. (2017). Tribological Performance of Mustard Seeds Oil Under Different Loads Using Pin-On-Disk Tribotester. Iraqi Journal for Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 17(3), 412–423. Retrieved from https://iqjfmme.com/index.php/jmme/article/view/234
• Sharma, P., Gupta, R., & Verma, S. (2021). Green lubrication: Mustard oil-based bio-lubricant enhanced with waste eggshell-derived CaO nanoparticles for sustainable and eco-friendly industrial solutions. Journal of Renewable Materials, 9(12), 2153–2165. doi:10.32604/jrm.2021.016789

6. Industrial Additives, Formulations & Functionalization

Antioxidants, Corrosion Inhibitors and Pour-Point Depressants

Mustard oil is often blended with antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and pour-point depressants to improve oxidative stability, reduce rust, and enhance performance in colder conditions (Sharma & Agarwal, 2020).

Chemical Modifications

• Epoxidation: Enhances oxidative stability and allows use in coatings, lubricants, and bio-based plasticizers (Kumar et al., 2019).
• Hydrogenation: Increases shelf life by making the oil more resistant to rancidity, supporting its use in industrial greases and lubricants (Ali & Gupta, 2021).
• Esterification: Improves cold-flow properties, making mustard oil highly effective for biodiesel and hydraulic applications in colder regions (Singh & Verma, 2020).

7. Textile, Leather & Surface Treatment Uses

Textile Processing

Mustard oil is used as a fiber lubricant and softener in spinning and weaving.

Leather Finishing

Mustard oil has long been valued in leather processing because of its natural conditioning effect on leather fibers, which helps maintain flexibility and prevents cracking. When applied during finishing, it enhances softness and adds a natural shine, making the leather both more durable and visually appealing. This eco-friendly alternative to synthetic conditioners supports sustainable leather care and traditional craftsmanship.

Surface Treatment

Used for wood and metal surface coatings to enhance protection and durability.

8. Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

Mustard oil derivatives act as:

• Plasticizers in paints.
• Reactive modifiers improving coating flexibility.
• Components in industrial adhesives due to sticky, resin-like behavior.

Mustard oil derivatives are increasingly used in industrial formulations because of their unique chemical behavior. In paints, they act as natural plasticizers, improving spreadability and durability. In coatings, their reactive compounds enhance flexibility and resistance to cracking. Additionally, their resin-like stickiness makes them effective components in adhesives, providing strong bonding strength while supporting eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.

9. Industrial Cleaning & Solvent Applications

Mustard oil is investigated as a biodegradable degreasing agent.

Mustard oil solvent blends, known for their low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions, are being explored as biodegradable degreasing agents. This property makes them a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based cleaners, offering industries an eco-friendly option without compromising cleaning efficiency.

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) — chemicals that easily evaporate into the air, often contributing to air pollution and health risks.

10. Manufacturing, Refining & Quality Control

Industrial-grade mustard oil goes through a careful refining process that includes degumming, bleaching, and purification to ensure it meets strict industrial standards. These steps help remove gums, pigments, and impurities, making the oil more stable for mechanical and non-culinary applications.
To maintain reliability, quality control measures are applied at every stage. Parameters such as viscosity, oxidation stability, and contamination levels are closely monitored, ensuring the oil performs consistently in uses like lubricants, biodiesel, coatings, and hydraulic fluids. This level of processing not only enhances shelf stability but also guarantees that mustard oil can compete with conventional industrial oils while providing an eco-friendly profile.

11. Storage, Handling & Maintenance

• Store in sealed, dark containers to prevent oxidation.
• Monitor peroxide values to track spoilage.
• Ensure equipment compatibility with natural oils to avoid seal damage.

Proper storage of mustard oil is essential to preserve its industrial quality. The oil should be kept in sealed, dark containers, as light and air exposure can accelerate oxidation and reduce performance. Regular monitoring of peroxide values helps track early signs of spoilage, ensuring the oil remains stable for longer periods.
When using mustard oil in mechanical systems, it’s also important to check equipment compatibility, since natural oils may interact differently with seals and gaskets compared to synthetic lubricants. Following these practices enhances both the shelf life and efficiency of mustard oil in industrial applications.

12. Environmental, Health & Safety Considerations

When working with mustard oil in industrial settings, some occupational safety measures are necessary. Direct contact may cause mild skin irritation, so gloves are recommended during handling. From an environmental perspective, mustard oil stands out for its biodegradability and non-toxic profile, which makes it far less harmful than petroleum-based alternatives.
In case of spills, cleanup is generally easier compared to mineral oils, since mustard oil breaks down naturally without leaving persistent pollutants. This combination of worker safety and eco-friendly behavior makes it an attractive option for industries moving toward sustainable practices.

13. Economic & Supply-Chain Considerations

Mustard oil production is closely tied to seasonal agricultural yields, which means that prices can fluctuate depending on harvest conditions and regional supply. This creates variability in feedstock costs for industries that depend on mustard oil for large-scale applications.
When compared with mineral oils, mustard oil may appear more expensive upfront, but it delivers long-term savings. Its biodegradability and compliance with environmental regulations reduce costs related to waste management, carbon penalties, and eco-certifications. For businesses aiming to balance sustainability with profitability, mustard oil presents a strategic advantage in modern industrial supply chains.

14. Advantages, Limitations & Trade-Offs of Mustard Oil in Industry

Mustard oil offers clear advantages for industrial applications. Its renewable and biodegradable nature makes it an eco-friendly substitute for petroleum oils, while its natural lubricity and anti-rust properties give it strong performance in machinery and metal protection.
However, there are limitations that industries must consider. Mustard oil has relatively poor oxidative stability, meaning it can degrade faster under high-temperature use. It also faces challenges with cold-flow behavior in colder climates, and its strong natural odor restricts use in certain sensitive applications.

15. Innovations & Future Directions

Research continues into:

• Epoxidized mustard oil for coatings.
• Hydrogenated derivatives for stable lubricants.
• Mustard oil–synthetic blends for high-load machinery.

Ongoing research is expanding the potential of mustard oil in industrial and mechanical applications. Scientists are experimenting with epoxidized mustard oil, which shows excellent promise in eco-friendly coatings and paints by improving durability and chemical resistance. Hydrogenated derivatives are also being developed to enhance oxidative stability, making mustard oil a more reliable base for lubricants exposed to high heat and long operating cycles.
Another exciting area is the creation of mustard oil–synthetic blends, where natural lubricity is combined with synthetic additives to withstand high-load machinery. These innovations not only solve technical challenges like poor cold-flow properties but also strengthen mustard oil’s position as a green alternative to mineral oils.

16. Practical Implementation & Best Practices

• Conduct bench and field tests before full adoption.
• Follow a pilot rollout strategy in machinery.
• Monitor lifecycle performance regularly.

For industries planning to adopt mustard oil in mechanical systems, practical testing is essential. Companies should begin with bench-scale and field trials, which allow engineers to evaluate performance in controlled and real-world conditions before large-scale adoption. A pilot rollout strategy is highly recommended, starting with a limited number of machines to identify potential challenges and adjustments needed for optimal results.
Once implemented, it is important to monitor lifecycle performance, including lubrication efficiency, oxidation stability, and equipment wear patterns. Regular analysis ensures that mustard oil delivers both technical reliability and environmental advantages, making it a sustainable long-term choice for industrial applications.

17. Case Studies / Application Snapshots

• Biofuel pilot plants using mustard oil biodiesel in India.
• Metalworking fluids in small machine shops.
• Eco-lubricants for agricultural machinery in Europe.

Real-world applications highlight how mustard oil is steadily entering industrial and mechanical sectors. In India, biofuel pilot plants have successfully tested mustard oil biodiesel, proving its potential as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. In small machine shops, mustard oil has been experimented with as a metalworking fluid, where its natural lubricity helps reduce tool wear and overheating. Meanwhile, in Europe, eco-friendly agricultural projects are adopting mustard oil-based lubricants for tractors and harvesting equipment, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing dependence on petroleum-derived oils.
These case studies demonstrate how mustard oil can be adapted across different industries, from renewable energy to manufacturing and farming, bridging the gap between performance and eco-innovation.

18. Conclusion

Mustard oil is emerging as a sustainable industrial oil, bridging mechanical performance and environmental responsibility. It has moved far beyond its traditional uses, proving itself as a valuable industrial resource with applications in lubrication, biodiesel, coatings, adhesives, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Its natural composition offers industries the dual advantage of performance and sustainability, reducing reliance on petroleum-based products while supporting environmental goals. With ongoing innovations—such as epoxidized and hydrogenated derivatives, synthetic blends, and biofuel optimization—mustard oil is positioned to play a key role in the future of green manufacturing and energy. For businesses, adopting mustard oil-based formulations means not only aligning with eco-compliance standards but also investing in a renewable feedstock that bridges industrial efficiency with environmental responsibility.

19. FAQs (Industrial Focus)