Base oil is the fundamental component in lubricant formulations, and its quality directly influences the performance of the final product. These oils are categorised as mineral, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Synthetic examples such as PAO (polyalphaolefins) and polyesters offer excellent thermal and oxidative stability, making them ideal for heavy loads and extreme temperatures.
Key parameters in selecting a base oil include viscosity index, pour point, and shear stability. Choosing the right base oil can significantly reduce friction and dramatically extend equipment service life.
In the lubrication industry, base oil serves as the backbone of any formulation. Depending on the production technology, it is derived either from crude oil refining or from chemical synthesis. Advanced groups such as polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) exhibit excellent resistance to varnish and deposit formation, making them widely used in sensitive systems.
Critical factors for maintaining performance include the base oil’s compatibility with additives, evaporation control, and thermal stability. With the right base oil selection, equipment efficiency can be greatly enhanced and energy consumption significantly reduced.
Base oils play a fundamental role in the production of a wide range of industrial and automotive products. Among their most important applications are the formulation of lubricating greases, engine oils, and specialised metalworking fluids. Each of these products requires a specific blend and formulation to deliver optimal performance under varying operating conditions.
The choice of base oil and appropriate additives has a direct impact on efficiency, durability, and the overall quality of the final product. One of the most critical factors in this regard is viscosity. Viscosity determines how a fluid behaves at different temperatures, defining its flow characteristics and resistance to motion. When viscosity remains stable across a wide temperature range, effective lubrication is maintained, ensuring protection of equipment against friction, wear, and potential damage.
For this reason, precise control and proper selection of base oils are essential to success in lubricant manufacturing.
Base oils are the backbone of the lubricants industry and, depending on their origin and production process, are classified such as mineral, synthetic (PAO, polyglycol, polyester), and vegetable-based oils. Synthetic oils like aromatic esters and polyesters are ideal for applications such as industrial gear oils and heavy-duty metalworking fluids, thanks to their high oxidative and thermal stability, low volatility, and reliable performance under extreme temperatures.
Polyglycols, with their water- or oil-soluble grades, are widely used in high-temperature chain systems, textiles, printing, and dyeing. In the automotive sector, PAO-based oils, known for their precise viscosity and long service life, are the preferred choice for engine oils and gear lubricants.
Selecting the right base oil—based on viscosity grade, stability index, and compatibility with additives—plays a critical role in reducing wear, lowering energy consumption, and extending equipment life. An informed choice ensures the quality and efficiency of the entire lubrication process.
| Specification | Appearance | Viscosity @ 100°C (cSt) |
Viscosity Index | Flash Point (°C) | Pour Point (°C) | Color (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Method | Sight/Melt | ASTM D445 | ASTM D2270 | ASTM D92 | ASTM D97 | ASTM D1500 |
| SN-150 | Bright / Clear | 5.4–7 | 95 | 208 | -12 | 1.5 |
| Specification | Appearance | Viscosity @ 100°C (cSt) |
Viscosity Index | Flash Point (°C) | Pour Point (°C) | Color (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Method | Sight/Melt | ASTM D445 | ASTM D2270 | ASTM D92 | ASTM D97 | ASTM D1500 |
| SN-500 | Bright / Clear | 9.5–11.2 | 89 | 235 | -3 | 2 |
| Typical Values | Test Method | Unit | Typical Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright, Clear | Appearance | ||
| 12.1-14 | ASTM D-445 | cSt | Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °C |
| 85 | ASTM D-2270 | Viscosity Index,Min | |
| 250 | ASTM D-92 | °C | Flash Point |
| -6 | ASTM D-97 | °C | Pour Point |
| 3 | ASTM D-1500 | Color,Max |
