Application Of Low Molecular Polyisobutene in Lubricating Oil

(1) Application in four-stroke engine oil

 

In earlier four-stroke engine oil formulations, low molecular polyisobutene was considered a thickener, but because of its poor low-temperature performance, this was mainly limited to single-class oils and multi-class oils with low-temperature performance requirements (e.g. SAE40, 20W/50, etc.). With the development of Class III base oils, the supply of high-viscosity base oils such as 150BS will become increasingly tight, and polyisobutene will be re-evaluated as an economical and practical alternative to 150BS in internal combustion engine oils. From the consideration of economy and performance, the general recommendation is as follows:

 

Single stage oil: low viscosity base oil +1300/2400;

20W/50: Low viscosity base oil +1300/2400;

Here, polyisobutene is not only a viscosity index improver, but also can effectively increase the oil film strength of the product. The use of 1300/2400 can reduce the amount of OCP and improve the shear stability of oil products. However, low molecular polyisobutene is not recommended for multi-stage oil with more demanding low-temperature performance.

 

 

(2) Application of two-stroke engine oil

 

Two-stroke engine lubrication method is unique, need to widely use low molecular polyisobutylene formula, in order to protect the environment and locomotive itself. Generally in the formulation of about 950 molecular weight of low molecular weight polyisobutene, with good lubricant and smoke elimination effect.

 

(3) Application of industrial gear oil

 

In terms of comprehensive cost performance, it is generally recommended to use 1300/2400 for industrial gear oil. By adding 1300/2400 with different proportions of 500SN, industrial gear oil of different viscosity levels can be prepared, and the amount of 150BS base oil can be reduced, thus reducing the cost of the whole formula. However, the amount should not be too high, otherwise the viscosity will decrease too fast.

 

(4) Application of vehicle gear oil

 

Because the vehicle gear oil has more severe shear stability requirements than the industrial gear oil, it is recommended to replace 150BS bright oil with 1300, so as to meet the requirements of oil on shear stability. However, if 2400 is to be used, it is recommended to add an appropriate proportion of 150BS and reduce the amount of 2400 (within 5%) to meet shear stability requirements.

 

(5) Application in high temperature chain oil

 

Different types of high-temperature chain oils can be prepared by adjusting the viscosity of 1300 and ester oils, alkyl diphenyl ethers, PAO oils to the appropriate viscosity, and adding additives such as extreme pressure antiwear agents, antioxidants, and rust inhibitors.

 

(6) Application of air compressor oil

 

The synthetic air compressor oil is composed of low molecular polyisobutene, PAO and ester oil (5%-15%) in combination with appropriate additives. It has good cleaning property, no carbon accumulation, and its service life can reach 8000h.

 

(7) Applications in metal working fuilds

 

Low molecular polyisobutene is widely used in metal processing. Such as 1300 and 2400 can be used in quenching oil to play the role of coolant and brightener. The 1300/2400 is also used in cutting oil to reduce smoke. The use of low molecular polyisobutene in non-ferrous metal drawing can reduce deposits and eliminate subsequent cleaning processes.

 

(8) Application in grease

 

The use of low molecular polyisobutene (1300/2400) in grease can improve the adhesion property of oil products, such as ball mill gear grease in mines.