Synthetic Base Oils of PAGs, PAOs, Esters, and Silicone oils, What are their differences?

Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG), Poly Alpha Olefin (PAO), esters, and silicone oil are common synthetic base stocks in the market. From the perspective of application, what are the characteristics of each of these synthetic oils?

 

Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG)

 

PAG oils include water-soluble PAG, water-insoluble PAG, and oil-soluble PAG

 

Advantages of PAG oils
PAGs have good lubrication performance, high flash point, and viscosity index, low volatility, and low pour point, with little effect on metals and rubber. When used at high temperatures, the generated oxidation products are completely dissolved in the remaining liquid or completely evaporated, leaving no sediment in the equipment, and carbon deposition is particularly low. Due to the presence of oxygen atoms in polyether molecules, it does not burn when mixed with water or other components.

Disadvantages of PAG oils
PAG oils are generally insoluble in mineral oil, ester oil, and synthetic hydrocarbons (although some high-cost PAGs are soluble in mineral oil); They have poor solubility and sensitivity to lubricant additives;

PAO Base Oil

PAO (Poly Alpha Olefin) belongs to API Class IV synthetic base oil. Polyalphaolefins are synthetic base oils of saturated hydrocarbons with regular long-chain alkyl branched structures, produced by catalytic polymerization of α-olefins (such as 1-ocene, 1-decene). The molecular structure of PAO synthetic oil is neat and free of impurities such as sulfur, paraffin, and nitrides, so it is also known as the "most ideal mineral oil".

 

Advantages of PAO base oil
It has excellent high and low temperature performance, a wide working temperature range, high flash and ignition points, safe use, low evaporation rate, less coking, long service life, high viscosity index, good viscosity-temperature performance, excellent anti-emulsification and anti-foaming performance, good electrical and thermal stability, and chemical stability. It is non-toxic and non-irritating.

Disadvantages of PAO base oil
Poor compatibility, and ester oil should be added when appropriate. And it has poor flame resistance and biodegradability.

Ester Oils

 

Ester synthetic oils are produced by esterification and dehydration reactions using organic acids and organic alcohols as raw materials. They are classified into monoesters, diesters, polyol esters, complex esters, and aromatic esters.

Advantages of Ester Based Oils
Ester oils have excellent high and low temperature performance, high viscosity index, and good oxidation stability. Due to the good solubility of additives and engine sludge generated at high temperatures, they are often used as internal combustion engine oils.

 

Disadvantages of Ester-Based Oils
Limited antioxidant properties and average low-temperature fluidity.

Silicone Oils

Advantages of silicone base oil
Silicone oil is a base oil that combines high temperature, low temperature, and a wide temperature range. It has excellent thermal oxidation stability, excellent electrical insulation, and excellent shear stability. And it is non-toxic and has strong anti-foaming properties, making it suitable for use as a defoamer.

Disadvantages of silicone base oil
Poor lubrication, high coefficient of thermal expansion and gas solubility, as well as low surface tension, make it easy to leak from the machine.

 

Chorus offers a range of Synthetic esters, PAGs, PAOs and other synthetic base oils. Contact us today to access our latest catalog of synthetic base stocks to optimize your formulations and reduce costs.