Design/methodology/approach A series of the sinapate ester oils were synthesized through esterification and alkoxylation reactions using renewable source sinapic acid as the raw material. The molecular structures of the oils were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The oils were evaluated for safety, viscosity-temperature properties, thermal and oxidative stability, as well as friction reducing and anti-wear characteristics. Findings Compared to commercial base oil tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (Phe-3Ci8), the bio-lubricant exhibits superior antifriction and anti-wear properties. Notably, the JCi8-C12 sample performed exceptionally well, reducing the friction coefficient by 11.42% and wear volume (WV) by 54.44% in steel/steel tribo-pairs. In steel/aluminum tribo-pairs, the friction coefficient decreased by 27.48%, while WV was reduced by 85.81%. Mechanistic studies reveal that the introduction of short-chain methoxy groups and stable conjugated systems (aromatic rings and double bonds) inhibit oxidation and decomposition at elevated temperatures. The p-p stacking effect enables lubricant molecules to arrange stably on friction surfaces, forming a durable lubricating film. Originality/value The utilization of biomass resources to develop green synthetic lubricating oil with excellent performance not only enhances the added value of waste from agricultural processing but also offers significant benefits in terms of both economic and environmental sustainability.