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Defining the term "synthetic lubricant" is becoming more
controversial these days, but in general it refers to a
lubricant or grease whose basestock has been manufactured by
chemical synthesis or organic reaction, as opposed to being
extracted or refined from naturally occurring oils.
In many
respects synthetics represent a different approach altogether
from conventional petroleum based oils in that their molecular
structures are custom designed and tailored to meet specific
performance targets. To appreciate this concept better we need
to understand something about the composition of lubricants and
how they work.
Most finished lubricants consist of a basestock and various additives
selected to improve or supplement the basestock's performance.
The basestock is the primary component, usually 70 to 99% of the
finished oil or grease, and its properties play a vital role. The basestock
dictate the flow characteristics of the oil, the temperature
range in which it can operate, and many other vital
properties such as volatility, lubricity, and cleanliness.
Additives enhance the properties
of the finished lubricants or impart new ones, such as
improving stability at both high and low temperatures, modifying
the flow properties, and reducing wear, friction, rust and
corrosion. The basestocks and additives work together, when carefully selected and balanced, allow the finished oil to
protect moving parts from
wear, remove heat and dirt, prevent rust and corrosion, and
improve energy efficiency.
The use of synthetic basestocks
to solve lubrication problems is not new. Modern
jet engine would not exist today if not for the
development of synthetic basestock technology in the 1950's. During the 1960s and 70s, synthetics moved steadily into severe
industrial applications where they solved high temperature
deposit problems with air compressors and oven conveyor chains,
and low temperature flow problems in arctic climates.
Today the use of
synthetic lubricants is accepted, widespread,
and rapidly growing as their capability and cost efficiency
benefits become better known worldwide. Jet aircraft use
synthetic oils in the engines, hydraulic systems, instruments
and landing gears; compressors use synthetics in the crankcase
and cylinders; refrigeration systems use synthetics with the new
environmentally friendly refrigerants; truck fleets use
synthetics in the engine, transmission, and gear box; and the
list goes on and on.
For more information about
our extensive line of
synthetic
lubricants,
we
encourage confidential consultation with our technically trained
Business Managers who can guide you to the best products
or development programs. Given
of the
complexity involved in balancing the physical, chemical, and
performance characteristics of our extensive range of ester
products with the exact application and market needs,
this preliminary consultation
allows for the selection of the best product based on properties
determined by you or defined by your application.
You can contact us by email at hatcoinfo@chemtura.com, or submit your requirements
using our
Ester Design Sheet. Either way you can
count on prompt and confidential service.
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