11/18/2019 Polyalphaolefin (PAO) Lubricants Explained

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Polyalphaole n (PAO) Lubricants

Explained
Noria Corporation

Polyalphaole n is by far the most common major synthetic base oil used in industrial and automotive
lubricants.We
It is aencourage you to read
synthetic hydrocarbon ourmimics
(SHC) that updated Privacy
the best Policy
hydrocarbon Hide structure
(branched)
found in mineral oils.
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Polyalphaole n Characteristics
Polyalphaole n does not contain ring structures, double bonds, sulphur, nitrogen components or waxy
hydrocarbons. The absence of these structures and materials results in a very non-polar base oil with
a high viscosity index (of approximately 130), excellent low-temperature ow and pour-point
characteristics, good oxidation stability and compatibility with mineral oils, paints and seals
commonly found in lube oil systems. Because of their controlled structure, PAOs do not contain lighter,
more volatile (small) hydrocarbons. This lowers their volatility, creates less hydrocarbon tailpipe
emissions and raises the ash point.

PAOs are used extensively in automotive uids as well as hydraulic, gear and bearing oils, working in
extremely cold climates or hot applications. They are also employed as base uids in some wide
temperature range greases. One application in which they have not worked well is in high-temperature
(high-pressure) reciprocating air compressors where valve deposits have been an issue.

However, nothing is perfect, and polyalphaole n base oils do have a few negative characteristics.
These include the tendency to shrink seals and trouble dissolving common oil additives. Therefore,
they are commonly blended or combined with organic ester synthetic base oils to provide a blended
base oil that does not have these negative characteristics. Polyalphaole ns also have poor re
resistance and biodegradability.

Synthetic Comparison Grid

The term synthetic hydrocarbon (SHC) is a general term. Several synthetic base oil types fall into the
SHC category. These include PAOs and also relatively common polyisobutenes (PIB), which are
sometimes used as oil additives or as base oils in two-stroke engines.

Strengths
High viscosity index (VI)
High thermal oxidative stability
Low volatility
GoodWeowencourage
properties at low
youtemperatures
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Non-toxic

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Compatible with mineral oils

Weaknesses
Limited biodegradability
Limited additive solubility
Seal shrinkage risk

Applications
Engine oils
Gear oils
Bearing oils
Compressor oils
High-temperature grease
Lube-for-life applications

Polyalphaole n History and Facts

Developed in the 1930s; rst commercial engine oils in 1970s
Made from ethylene gas; still crude oil/natural gas dependent
Higher temperature resistance than mineral oil
PAO up to approximately 160°C (320°F) continuous service; 270°C (520°F) intermittent
No wax content, therefore best low temperature of all synthetics (approximately minus 50°C to
minus 60°C or minus 70°F)
Higher VI (approximately 130 to 140) than mineral oil (nearly 100)
Less volatile than mineral oil (higher ash point, less ammable, lower hydrocarbon emissions)
Lower natural lubricity than mineral oil
Polyalphaole n base oil not necessarily less wear than mineral base oil (additive-
dependent property)
Compatible with mineral oil
Problems – very non-polar (low natural solvency, additive solubility, lower lubricity and lm
strength)
Forms hard deposits in reciprocating compressors
Must blend in 5 to 20 percent ester base oil for seal swell, additive solubility and lubricity
Not biodegradable
Costs four times more than mineral oil, less than other synthetics

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