Viscosity index improvers Dr.-Ing.

VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta
Viscosity index (VI) improvers reduce the rate of change of viscosity with temperature,
i.e. they cause minimal increase in engine oil viscosity at low temperature but
considerable increase at high temperature.

VI Improver characterisitcs:
1. How does it work? the polymer molecule assumes a compact curled form in a cold
base stock — which is poorly solvent — and an uncurled large surface area in a hot
base stock that is better solvent.
2. The sensitivity of the viscosity index improver additives towards mechanical stresses
increases with increasing molecular weight of the additives
3. Shear stresses lead to irreversible breakdown of the polymer molecules into smaller
fragments; this results in a drop of viscosity.

Materials for VI improvers: oil soluble polymers in the 50,000 to 1,000,000 molecular
weight range such as:
• Polyisobutylenes
• Poly methacrylates
• Ethylene/Propylene copolymers
• Polyacrylates
• Styrene/Maleic ester copolymers
• Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene copolymers.
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Pour point depressants Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

The pour point of a crude oil, or a petroleum fraction, is the lowest temperature at
which the oil will pour or flow when it is cooled, without stirring, under standard
cooling conditions. Pour point represents the lowest temperature at which oil is
capable of flowing under gravity.

Characteristic of pour point depressant

• It works by retarding the formation of full-size wax crystals by coating or co-
crystallization with the wax.
• The majority of depressant additives include polymerization and condensation
products.
• Some of them act the same time as viscosity index improvers.

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Corrosion inhibitor Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

The function of an oxidation inhibitor is to minimize the formation of organic

peroxides, acids and other oxygenated materials which deteriorate engine oils.

Oxidative corrosion of the bearing occurs in two steps :

• 1st: the lead at the surface of the bearing is oxidized by the peroxides formed in the
fuel and oil;
• 2nd: the oxidation products, such as organic acids, dissolve away the lead oxide
renewing the surface for reoxidation.

Corrosion inhibitors form an adsorbed protective film on metal surfaces which

prevents contact between corrosive agents:
• acids
• peroxides
The adsorbed protective film stops also the catalytic effect of metals on oxidation.

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Rust and foam inhibitor Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

Rust inhibitors prevent water from penetrating the protective oil film. This is achieved
by application of polar molecules which are adsorbed preferentially on the metal
surface and serve as barrier against water.

Strong foaming affects the lubricating properties of engine oils and decreases
their oxidation stability due to the intensive mixing with air.

Strong foaming which relates to the splashing action of the crankcase and connecting
rods can also lead to the oil transport in circulation systems.

The most universally used foam inhibitors are liquid silicones, especially
polydimethylsiloxanes. In order to achieve a maximum effect:
• the silicones must be insoluble in the oil.
• They have to be finely dispersed in order to be sufficiently stable and
• must have a lower surface tension than the oil.

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Friction Modifying Additives Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

Friction modifying additives can be described as chemicals that allow to reduce

coefficient of friction and achieve smooth sliding or to increase coefficient of friction
and achieve no sliding.

They increase oil film strength.

These additives provide 3-4 percent improvement of fuel economy in automotive

vehicles.

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Friction Modifying Additives Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

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Nano particles as Friction Modifying Additives Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

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Nano particles as Friction Modifying Additives Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

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Nano particles as Friction Modifying Additives Dr.-Ing. VictorYuardi
Dr. Victor YuardiRisonarta
Risonarta

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