Synthesis of high viscosity index base stock and study on the lubricating properties

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the polymerization of 1-decene by [Emim]Cl/AlCl₃ ionic liquid and the film-forming properties of the product compared with commercially available base stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of [Emim]Cl/AlCl₃ mole ratio, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, reaction time and water on the polyreaction. Poly alpha-olefin (PAO) is prepared under optimal reaction condition. Film-forming properties of PAO have been compared with those of Group I, Group II and Group III base stocks, which are selected with approximately the same viscosity.

Findings

Experimental results show that after a 4-h reaction time, yield of PAO can be higher than 85 per cent and viscosity index can be up to 160 with [Emim] Cl/AlCl₃ mole ratio of 2:1, catalyst dosage of 3 per cent wt. and water content of 20 ppm. A strong influence of water on reaction is observed. With approximately the same viscosity, PAO shows the superiority in film thickness at low-sliding speeds compared with Group I and Group II base stocks. At high temperature, PAO provides a thicker film than other base stocks.

Originality/value

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in ionic liquids. As a novel catalyst, it has so many advantages including low corrosion, low toxicity, low cost and a potentially wide range of properties compared with traditional catalysts. This paper reports the polymerization of 1-decene by [Emim]Cl/AlCl₃ ionic liquid and the study on lubricating properties of PAO compared with mineral base stocks.

Citation

Wang, W., Jiang, S., Shen, Y., Xia, S. and Xu, J. (2016), "Synthesis of high viscosity index base stock and study on the lubricating properties", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 68 No. 1, pp. 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-02-2015-0020