Best Viscosity Index Improvers Available in the Market

The main reason viscosity index improvers are added to oils and lubricants is so that they can serve well in both very hot and cold temperatures. The improvers were meant to keep oils smooth and flowing. But which VI improvers are the best? Let’s take a look at some of the top ones available in the market today.

What Are Viscosity Index Improvers?

VI improvers are special chemicals added to oils that enable them to retain a stable thickness, or viscosity. The general property of most oils is that they are very thick when cold, thus being hard to move, and thin when exposed to heat and flow away. These improvers manage the property modifications of oils under variable temperatures, making them stable and reliable. This, therefore, makes them an indispensable part of machines and engines where the flow of oil has to remain consistent.

Why Do We Need VI Improvers?

All these machines, cars, and engines require oils that can withstand high temperature fluctuations. Without VI improvers, the oils may not function properly in a specific season of certain climates. Engines may face difficulties in starting when oils become excessively viscous at low temperatures. On the other hand, in high temperatures, if it becomes too thin, that could cause problems in providing sufficient protection to moving parts of an engine. Thus, the VI improvers help in keeping the engines safe and properly functional.

How Do VI Improvers Work?

VI improvers are big molecules. During cold, they shrink and allow oil to flow easily. In heat, they expand, thus helping the oil sustain its thickness so that it can do its job. Simple yet a very intelligent way to stabilize oils.

Major Types or VI Improvers

Improvement additives for VI are not all the same. They exist in various types, with each type suited for a particular application. Some work well in cars, while others perform best in heavy machinery. Let’s delve into some of the best ones that are currently available.

1. Polymeric VI improvers

One of the most common types of viscosity index improvers is polymeric. They work perfectly for car engines and heavy-duty equipment. These polymers are extremely stable. They do not easily degrade, even under harsh conditions. Many car oils and industrial lubricants apply this type. It allows oils to remain thick and also protects parts within an engine from high pressure.

2. Olefin Copolymers

The other popular viscosity improver is an olefin copolymer. OCPs are particularly good in car engines. OCPs are powerful with long durability. They have excellent performance both at very low and high temperatures. These improvers keep oils stable not only on city driving but also during the long road trips. They are also very common in high-quality engine oils.

3. Hydrogenated Styrene-Diene

The hydrogenated styrene-diene VI improvers are formidable and long-lasting. They are good for truck and bus oils. Such types of VI improvers give good performance in severe applications. For example, they help oils to retain their shape in trucks that drive all day. Most commercial engine oils make use of this type of VI improver owing to the fact that they are capable of withstanding hard conditions created by heavy-duty vehicles.

4. Styrene-Isoprene

The other type is styrene-isoprene VI improver, which is good for both car and industrial oils. These VI improvers are very flexible; thus, they can be used in cold and hot temperatures. Many people like them because they make oils last longer. Oils containing this kind of VI improver are less likely to break down, which keeps the engine safe and helps it run smoothly.

5. Polymethacrylate (PMA) VI Improvers

The PMA VI improvers do well both at low and high temperatures. They are suitable for those engines running in cold countries. PMAs help oils to remain thin during cold weather so that the engine starts with ease. They also work well in hot weather, keeping the oils thick enough to protect the engine. PMA VI improvers are highly stable, and due to this, they are preferred in automobile and aircraft oils.

VI Improvers for Special Uses

Some machines, for example those used at farms or factories, need special oils. In the case of such machines, the selection of a proper kind of VI improver becomes vital.

These VI improvers are more robust and durable. They can bear heavy loads. Following are some VI improvers that can be useful in these sorts of applications.

A. Star VI Improvers

Star VI improvers work great on farm and factory machines. They are very tough and can resist high pressure. Oils containing star VI improvers also work great even in very dusty and hot places. A lot of people consider these VI improvers since they keep the oils longer, even if the machines are used all day.

B. Custom VI Improvers for Climate

In some places, the weather changes really fast. This might make it difficult for the machines to work properly. For areas with extreme weather, VI improvers are produced. These additives are made in a way that they will be able to tackle sudden changes in temperature. They keep the oils flowing whether they are hot or cold.

C. Cold Temperature VI Improvers

Oils in subzero environments need assistance to stay thin. Some improvers are designed and engineered for those environments. Such improvers prevent oils from becoming too viscous during cold climates; this way, it is easier to start engines. Most of the oils used in the North contain those specific additives for improving viscosity.

Benefits of Using VI Improvers

VI improvers represent special chemicals that allow the oils to work well at any temperature. That, in turn, means the engines run better and last longer. A few ways the VI improvers help to run your automobile are as below.

• Better Engine Life: When the oils are stable, they protect engines for a longer period of time.

• Easy Starts in Cold: In cold, one can easily start up the engines using the right VI improver.

• Protection in Heat: When it gets very hot outside, the oils will not thin out as much, hence keeping the engines safe.

• Longer oil life: oils with VI improvers can go longer between oil changes.

How to Choose the Proper VI Improver

The use of viscosity index Improvers depends on one’s needs. If you use a car, then any normal improver such as an olefin copolymer would work quite well. But for heavy trucks or machines, you may consider strong improvers like hydrogenated styrene-diene. Consider the weather in your area, for instance; if your area is very cold, a low-temperature effective improver will come in handy.

Looking Ahead: VI Improvers and the Future

As technology advances, so do VI improvers. New types are manufactured with the aim of better performance and longer lives. The new VI improvers happen to be eco-friendly too. They formulate oils to keep engines running right without harming the planet. It is a boon to all who aim for powerful engines along with a greener earth.

But the VI improvers are only a small part of the oils and make a great difference: they allow the oils to work in both heat and cold. They protect the engines of trucks and machines from wear. The types of these improvers are so big that you will always find the one that best works for your needs. Whether it’s for a car, a truck, or a machine, they keep them all running smoothly. This means that the new form of viscosity Improvers with ecological concerns will further be developed and manufactured to continue keeping the oils stable without harming the planet. Therefore, these improvers are a very good choice for those who want to keep the engines strong and healthy for future years.

Chempol: Making Viscosity Improvement a Breeze.

Chempol is a reliable company and ranks among the top viscosity index Improver manufacturers. They have been providing clients in UAE and all over the world with high-quality additives. There professional team is dedicated to deliver excellent customer service.

So, whatever kind of VI improver you need, you can count on Chempol to help you out.