The poor oxidation stability and low temperature fluidity of vegetable oil are the key factors limiting its using as lubricant,and the chemical modification is a good solution.The research status of several main chemical modification methods of vegetable oils,such as epoxidation,transesterification,hydrogenation and the synthesis of estolides was reviewed.The chemical modification methods were discussed from the reaction mechanism,conditions and product performance,and their advantages and disadvantages were summarized.The prospects for the research and development of vegetable oils replacing mineral lubricants were put forwarded.It is pointed out that the research and application of vegetable oil-based lubricants need to be deeply studied in the aspects of the molecular design of bio-lubricants,the industrial application of chemical modification methods of vegetable oils,the synergistic effect of modified vegetable oils and additives,the large-scale preparation technology.