General

This happened in the 1930s when Dr Hermann Zorn in Germany started a quest to develop a lubricant that possessed the advantageous properties of natural oils that were derived from crude oil but lacked undesirable characteristics.

These undesirable properties included a high pour point, a propensity to form gum or gel in combustion engines, and poor oxidation resistance at higher temperatures.

Germany faced the need for a lubricant that was not derived from crude oil. This was because of the nation’s diminishing access to this natural resource. With the efforts of Dr Zorn’s efforts over the years, the results came out in the creation of more than 3,500 distinct blend esters that encompass both diesters and polyol esters.

The real-world testing for these synthetic lubricants occurred during World War II when both German and American forces experimented with their use in aircraft engines. The results were surprising. Synthetic engine oil gave an easy engine start in cold climates due to its high viscosity index.

Moreover, they dramatically reduced soot deposits that normal lubricants tended to accumulate in oil radiators.

The successful use of synthetic oil in aircraft engines during World War II paved the way for their widespread adoption in various industrial applications after the war ended.

The superior quality of synthetic oil, with characteristics such as excellent low-temperature fluidity, enhanced oxidation resistance, and reduced volatility. This made them ideal for demanding applications in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

Now synthetic oil has become an integral part of modern technology. These are the contributions to the efficient operation and extended lifespan of countless machines and systems. Dr Hermann Zorn’s pioneering work in the 1930s laid the foundations for the development of these advanced lubricants which contribute to drive progress in the industrial world.

Types And Terminologies

There are two American Petroleum Institute (API) base oil categories that include synthetics. The first comes as the API Group IV, which includes polyalphaolefin (PAO) as the main synthetic base oil.

API Group IV

These are made through the polymerization of alpha-olefin molecules, such as ethylene.

Alpha-olefin molecules have a carbon-carbon double bond with hydrogen branching off. These features give PAOs unique properties that make them useful and valuable as synthetic base oil.

However, the PAO offers many advantages over simple non synthetic oil. These have lower volatility and higher shear stability that means they can withstand more mechanical stress without breaking down.

PAOs also have lower pour points that allow them to flow easily at lower temperatures.

They have the resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, that can lead them to longer oil life and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, PAOs have higher viscosity index improver additives that maintain oils viscosity better in various temperatures.

Because of their superior performance, PAOs are often used in higher-performance applications, such as automotive engines, aircraft turbines, and industrial machinery. These can be formulated into a wide range of lubricants, including motor oils, gear oils, greases, and hydraulic fluids. PAOs are also used as additives in mineral oils to improve their performance.

API Group V

In contrast to the well-known Group IV Polyalphaolefins, the other API group V, encompasses a diverse range of non-PAO synthetic engine oil. These include diesters, polyol esters, alkylated benzenes, phosphate esters and more. Essentially, any synthetic oil for cars that is not a PAO falls under the API Group V classifications.

The Scientific Properties Of Synthetic Oils

These properties impasse kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, ignition temperatures, and others. Thus, they offer valuable insights into the behaviour of oil under various conditions.

For example, the kinematic viscosity values at 40°C, that ranges from 43.9 mm²-s-1 to 1157 mm²-s-1, thus signify the oil’s resistance to flow and shear. This parameter is necessary as it presently influences lubrication effectiveness and the ability to form protective films between moving surfaces.

Other than that, the viscosity index with a value of 94 for MO (Mineral Oil) indicates that the oil’s sensitivity to temperature changes. A higher viscosity index generally suggests better stability across a wide temperature range that makes sure of its consistent performance.

The ignition temperatures of 232°C for MO highlights the oil’s resistance to auto-ignition, a critical safety aspect in high-temperature applications. Additionally, the flow of temperature, measured at -10°C reveals the oil’s ability to maintain fluidity at low temperatures, which is necessary for the cold start conditions of the car and its overall operations.

Moreover, the density of the oil at 20°C, which is recorded as 975 kg-m-3, provides information about its mass per unit volume. This property can influence factors such as buoyancy and the oil’s behavior in fluid systems.

The flashpoint values, which range from 238°C to 277°C, indicate the temperatures at which the oils release sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily in the presence of an ignition source. This data is essential for assessing fire hazards and safety precautions.

Lastly, the weld point, which is measured at 500 daN, signifies the load-carrying capacity of the oil, reflecting its ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact under extreme pressures.

Make The Right Choice For Synthetic Oil

The choice to use the best synthetic oil brand depends on several factors, such as your vehicle’s need, driving conditions, and budget. While synthetic oil has clear advantages, it may not be necessary for all applications. Weight on the benefits against the potential drawbacks that can help you make an informed choice. Also look for the OEM approved lubricants and the manufacturers manual for the rightful use of lubricants.