INNOVATIVE ADDITIVES AS VISCOSITY MODIFIERS FOR ENERGY SAVING LUBRICANTS (DCM.AD004.051)

Thematic area

Chemical sciences and materials technology

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC)

Project manager

INCORONATA TRITTO
Phone number: 0223699370
Email: tritto@ismac.cnr.it

Abstract

The technological evolution of lubricants and in particular of automotive lubricants goes towards products that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions through the improvement of energy efficiency.
In this evolution, the lubricant additives, such as the Viscosity Modifiers (Viscosity Index Improvers) play a crucial role.
The Viscosity Modifiers (VMs) are polymeric additives used to optimize the viscosity of the oils in all the temperatures range at which VMs operate. In particularly the VMs have the function to increase the viscosity of the oils at high temperature (thickening power) limiting as far as possible any increase in low-temperature viscosity. These additives must also be stable and retain their functions when the oil is employed in an engine. By this, a good VM must also have an optimal mechanical shear stability.
The most common VMs additives are based on ethylene-propylene linear copolymers (OCPs) and, although still used in many oils, OCPs show signs of weakness in lubricants of advanced technology, which has to be in compliance with the new international specifications especially in terms of engine tests performances and energy efficiency (fuel economy). It is

Goals

L'obiettivo di questo progetto è lo studio e lo sviluppo di polimeri da utilizzare come additivi "viscosity modifiers" in "energy saving" lubrificanti caratterizzati da stabilità meccanica allo shear, efficienza ispessente, e da perfomance a bassa temperatura migliori degli OCPs.

Start date of activity

18/07/2018

Keywords

polimeri, viscosity modifiers, lubrificanti

Last update: 05/06/2025