Synthetic esters, with their polarity and uniform structure, provide multiple high performance functions in lubricants. As a base stock or as an additive, esters improve lubricity, improve the solubility of additives, have an affinity for metal surface, and improve cleanliness and sludge control. They provide or enhance seal and gasket compatibility. Versus mineral oils, the ester structure offers lower volatility at lower molecular weight and lower viscosity. Esters can be selected to provide extreme high temperature performance, extreme low temp performance, or both. They generally offer high thermal-oxidative stability and biodegradability.
Synthetic esters provide high-performance lubrication in the fields of engine oils, refrigeration lubricants, compressor oils, chain lubricants, greases, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, and more. Esters can be combined with PAO’s or mineral oils to improve seal swell, solubilize additives, reduce volatility and improve energy efficiency. Many esters are used in environmentally acceptable lubricants due to their biodegradability and low toxicity.
Di-Esters, such as adipates, may be used as base stocks or in combination with PAO’s. Adipates make a great base stock or blend component when biodegradability or high-temperature cleanliness is important. Di-esters may also be used in combination with PAO’s or Group III’s for engine, compressor, gear, transmission, hydraulic, and other oils.
Polyol esters (POE’s) have great thermal and oxidative stability, and their structure often adds performance at very low temperatures. High polarity further attracts the esters to metal surfaces, which enhances the lubricity while retaining other desirable properties of diesters. From refrigeration lubes to oven chain lubes, polyols can be customized for almost every application
Trimelliate esters are often a cost effective alternative to high viscosity polyol esters. They are used where low volatility, thermal stability, and high lubricity are needed. Applications include compressor lubes, gear oils, chain lubes, and greases.
To see key performance advantages in different markets, download the complete guide below.
