[0001] The present invention relates to non-polymer thickened multigrade engine oils based
on synthetic hydrocarbons. More specifically, SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 engine oils
derived from hydrogenated decene-1 oligomers and which do not contain viscosity index
improvers are provided.
[0002] SAE 10W-30 is the engine oil viscosity grade recommended by most manufacturers for
gasoline passenger car service whereas, for diesel truck operation, SAE 15W-40 is
the most widely recommended engine oil viscosity grade. Both of these oils are multigrade
or cross-graded which, in general terms, means that they are acceptable for use in
either a summer or winter environment. More precisely, these oils must meet the current
SAE J300 APR84 specifications. For an SAE 10W-30 oil, a viscosity of 3500 centipoise
or below at -20°C. as determined in accordance with ASTM D-2602 and a viscosity between
9.3 and 12.5 centistokes at 100°C. as determined in accordance with ASTM D-445 is
required. Additionally, the oil must have a borderline pumping temperature (ASTM D-3829)
of -25°C. or below and a stable pour point (FTMS 791b-203) of -30°C. or below. An
SAE 15W-40 oil must have a maximum viscosity of 3500 centipoise at -15°C., and a viscosity
between 12.5 and 16.3 at 100°C., and borderline pumping temperature of -20°C. or below.
[0003] In addition to satisfying these viscosity criteria, multigrade engine oils must also
meet certain service classifications of the American Petroleum Institute (API). This
is accomplished by the addition of appropriate performance additives to the oil. It
should be noted that the formulated oil, i.e., the base oil containing all additives,
must meet the SAE J-300 APR84 viscosity criteria.
[0004] To obtain multigrade motor oils using petroleum base stocks, it is also necessary
to add a viscosity index (VI) improver. VI improvers are polymeric materials, such
as ethylene-propylene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-diene block copolymers, polyalkyl
methacrylates, polyisobutylenes, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers or the like, which
modify the rate of change of viscosity of the basestock with temperature when added
thereto. While the polymeric VI improvers are necessary to achieve cross-grading with
petroleum basestocks, the addition of these polymers is not without problem.
[0005] It is well documented in the prior art that the high molecular weight polymeric VI
improvers can undergo shear, i.e., breakdown, under conditions of thermal and mechanical
stress. Breakdown of the VI improver alters the viscosity characteristics of the formulated
motor oil and can also contribute to the formation of sludge and engine deposits.
Field studies have shown, for example, that a SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil can drop
to SAE 15W-30 after only several thousand miles of service. This presents a very real
problem with heavy duty over-the-road trucks where it is not uncommon to accumulate
30,000 miles between service intervals. Breakdown of VI improvers is even a problem
with gasoline engines, particularly in view of the longer drain intervals which are
now being promoted and the fact that today's smaller engines operate at higher RPM's
and higher temperatures. The general problems associated with the breakdown of polymeric
VI improvers is presented by W. Wunderlich and H. Jost in their entitled "Polymer
Stability in Engines" Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., SAE-429, Paper No. 780372.
[0006] One approach to overcoming the problems associated with the use of VI improvers is
to develop improved polymers which are more resistant to shear under conditions of
thermal and mechanical stress. While the development of new polymeric thickeners is
a viable approach, it would be even more desirable and advantageous if VI improvers
could be totally eliminated from multigrade motor oil formulations.
[0007] European Patent Applications 88,453; 19,069; and 119,070 disclose multigrade lubricants
which are combinations of synthetic fluids having different viscosities. The lubricants
consist of blends of high viscosity ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers with lower viscosity
synthetic hydrocarbons, such as an alkylated benzene or polyalphaolefin, or ester,
such as a monoester, diester or polyester. 5W-40 and 10W-40 oils indicated as being
suitable for use as diesel crankcase lubricants obtained by blending different synthetic
products are disclosed.
[0008] It would be highly desirable and advantageous if non-polymer thickened multigrade
engine oils suitable for most passenger car and diesel truck service could be obtained
using a single synthetic hydrocarbon basestock. This would preclude compatability
problems which can be encountered when different basestocks are blended. It would
also eliminate the need for multiple processes and/or suppliers and otherwise minimize
problems and capital costs associated with storage and transfer of different types
of products within a plant.
[0009] We have now unexpectedly discovered SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 motor oils obtained
from a single synthetic hydrocarbon basestock without the addition of polymeric VI
improvers. The multigrade engine oils of the invention are mixtures of conventional
oligomers of decene-1 with higher decene-1 oligomers, said oligomers being present
in specific proportions. The oligomeric composite is formulated with performance additives
to meet the desired API service classification.
[0010] For the multigrade non-polymer thickened lubricants of this invention, significant
amounts of hydrogenated hexamer (C₆₀ oligomer), heptamer (C₇₀ oligomer) and higher
decene-1 oligomers are present with hydrogenated trimer (C₃₀ oligomer), tetramer (C₄₀
oligomer) and pentamer (C₅₀ oligomer) These compositions are most generally obtained
by judicious blending of fractions having different oligomer distributions. However,
with proper design and control of process equipment, compositions having oligomer
distributions within the specified limits and suitable for formulation with additives
to produce non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 engine oils can be obtained
directly.
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a non-polymer thickened engine oil capable
of meeting SAE requirements as low as SAE 10W and as high as SAE 40 comprising 80
to 95% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1-oligomer mixture and .5 to 20% by weight
of engine performance additives such that the formulated oil meets API Service Requirements,
characterized by the oligomer mixture containing 5% to 20% C₃₀ oligomer, 43% to 68%
C₄₀ oligomer, 14% to 34% C₅₀ oligomer 5% to 16% C₆₀ oligomer and 5% to 16% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
More specifically, non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 oils suitable for use in gasoline
engines contain 5% to 10% by weight gasoline engine performance additives which meet
the requirements set forth in the appropriate API Engine Service Classification System
and 90% to 95% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer mixture containing 0.5%
to 20% C₃₀ oligomer, 43% to 66% C₄₀ oligomer, 16% to 26% C₅₀ oligomer, 5% to 11% C₆₀
oligomer and 5% to 11% C₇₀₊ oligomers. SAE 10W-30 oils suitable for use as diesel
engine oils and as universal engine oils contain 10% to 20% by weight universal performance
additives which meet the requirements set forth in the appropriate API Engine Service
Classification System and 80% to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer
mixture containing 0.5% to 16% C₃₀ oligomer, 55% to 68% C₄₀ oligomer, 14% to 23% C₅₀
oligomer, 3% to 9% C₆₀ oligomer and 3% to 9% C₇₀₊ oligomers. SAE 15W-40 diesel engine
or universal engine oils contain from 10% to 20% by weight diesel or universal performance
additives which meet the requirements set forth in the appropriate API Engine Service
Classification System with 80% to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer
mixture containing up to 2.5% C₃₀ oligomer, 44% to 56% C₄₀ oligomer, 23% to 34% C₅₀
oligomer, 7% to 16% C₆₀ oligomer, and 7% to 16% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
[0012] In accordance with the present invention, cross-graded motor oils suitable for passenger
car and diesel truck service are obtained using a single synthetic hydrocarbon basestock,
namely polyalphaolefins comprised of specific decene-1 oligomers present in specified
amounts. The multigrade engine oils of the invention are obtained without the use
of polymeric VI improvers. SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 engine oils are obtained simply
by addition of appropriate performance additives, i.e., additives which meet the designated
API service classification, 10 to the oligomer mixture.
[0013] Synthetic lubricants derived from alpha-olefins and processes for their production
are well known. The polyalphaolefins are obtained using conventional polymerization
techniques such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,149,178; 3,763,244; 3,780,128;
4,045,508; and 4,239,920. These processes generally entail oligomerizing an alpha-olefin,
such as octene-1 or decene-1, using a boron trifluoride catalyst in combination with
a promoter, such as alcohol or water. Such oligomerization processes typically yield
mixtures comprised predominantly of dimer, trimer, tetramer and pentamer. The exact
oligomer distribution will vary depending on reaction conditions, however, oligomers
above pentamer have heretofore been produced in such small amounts that they typically
have not even been reported.
[0014] As a result of changes in reactor design and better control of process conditions,
it is now possible to produce polyalphaolefin products which contain substantial amounts
of higher decene-1 oligomers. For example, products containing 20% or more hexamer,
heptamer and higher oligomers can consistently be obtained from the decene-1 oligomerization
process. In accordance with the present invention, it has now been found that oligomer
mixtures containing substantial amounts of higher oligomers can be formulated with
suitable performance additives to yield multigrade engine oils without the addition
of polymeric viscosity index improvers. SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 engine oils, the
two principal viscosity grades recommended for most passenger car and diesel truck
service, can be obtained in this manner.
[0015] For this invention, specific mixtures of decene-1 oligomers, also referred to as
oligomer composite(s), which contain substantial amounts of C₆₀ and higher oligomers
are employed. The useful oligomer mixtures are obtained by oligomerizing decene-1
using an alcohol-promoted boron trifluoride catalyst in accordance with the conventional
procedures known to the art. It is especially advantageous for the present invention
to utilize oligomer mixtures obtained from the oligomerization of decene-1 wherein
the catalyst is boron trifluoride promoted with propanol. It will, however, be understood
by those skilled in the art that any oligomerization procedure whereby compositions
having the hereinafter specified oligomer distributions can be employed. Similarly,
whereas all of the oligomeric composites utilized herein are mixtures of decene-1
oligomers, oligomeric products derived from other alpha-olefins in the C₈₋₁₂ range
can also be utilized. The ranges specified herein for the oligomer composites derived
from decene-1 will not, however, apply to oligomers derived from other olefins.
[0016] It is possible to obtain the oligomer composite directly from the reactor without
further blending. This can be accomplished by controlling the reaction conditions
and by proper reactor design. One or more distillation operations may be necessary
to achieve the desired oligomer distribution. Also, as with all alpha-olefin derived
oligomers used for lubrication applications, the oligomer mixture should be hydrogenated
prior to use in order to obtain optimum oxidative and thermal stability.
[0017] Most generally, the oligomer composite which is combined with the performance additives
to obtain the multigrade engine oils of the invention are blends of two or more fractions
having different oligomer distributions. A fraction rich in lower oligomers is typically
blended with a fraction rich in higher oligomers to achieve the desired oligomer distribution;
however, any combination of fractions which will yield a composite having the required
distribution of oligomers is acceptable. The fractions employed for such blending
may be different distillation cuts from the same process or may be obtained from entirely
different oligomerization processes. A particular fraction may be used in the blending
of both SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 oils. For example, a fraction rich in higher oligomers
can be blended in one operation with a first fraction rich in lower oligomers to obtain
a composite for SAE 10W-30 usage and in another operation with a different lower-oligomer-rich
fraction to produce a composite acceptable for SAE 15W-40 usage. If the same lower-oligomer-rich
fraction is employed, it is apparent that the proportions of the fractions must be
different to produce SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 oils or that a different high-oligomer-rich
fraction must be used. The composite obtained after blending can be hydrogenated or
the individual fractions can be hydrogenated before they are blended.
[0018] The oligomers are hydrogenated using conventional methods known to the art which
typically involve combining the oligomer with a suitable hydrogenation catalyst and
pressurizing with hydrogen at an elevated temperature. Conventional catalysts, such
as platinum or palladium supported on charcoal, Raney nickel, nickel on kieselguhr,
and the like, are employed. Pressures can range from about several hundred psig up
to about 2000 psig and temperatures range from about 50°C to about 300°C. The hydrogenation
is terminated when the desired bromine number is achieved, typically less than 1.
[0019] Oligomer composites having specific oligomer distributions are necessary if engine
oils which are cross-graded without the addition of VI improvers are to be obtained.
Additionally, performance additives must be included in the formulation to obtain
the desired service rating. An SAE 10W-30 or SAE 15W-40 engine oil which meets the
manufacturer's specifications therefore requires both the proper selection of oligomers
and additives -- the oligomer combination to impart the desired viscosity characteristics
and the additives to impart the necessary service characteristics. Acceptable formulations
cannot be obtained when either the specified oligomer composite or the specified additives
are not used.
[0020] While SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 are the broadest multigrade formulations possible,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that narrower multigrade oils within
the broader viscosity range are also possible. For example, SAE 15W-30 and SAE 10W-20
formulations can also be obtained and are within the scope of SAE 10W-30 even though
the former grades are not specifically referenced. This aspect of the invention can
be better understood by reference to the following table wherein viscosity requirements
for multigrade engine oils described by the SAE Engine Oil Viscosity Classification
-- SAE J300 APR84 are provided.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention SAE 10W-30 engine oils which do not contain polymeric
viscosity index improvers and which meet the appropriate API "S" Service Classification
for gasoline engines are provided. These Service Categories include, most notably,
SC, SD, SE, and SF. Oils meeting API Service Classification SF are the most important
since they may be used where API Service Categories SE, SD or SC are recommended.
Thus, where a specific Service Category is referred to herein, all prior Service Categories
which have less stringent engine test requirements are also included. The SAE 10W-30
engine oils suitable for use in gasoline engines contain 5% to 10% by weight gasoline
engine performance additives so that the oil meets the API "S" Service requirements
and 90% to 95% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer mixture containing 0.5%
to 20% C₃₀ oligomer, 43% to 66% C₄₀ oligomer, 16% to 26% C₅₀ oligomer, 5% to 11% C₆₀
oligomer and 5% to 11% C₇₀₊ oligomers. Percentages reported herein for oligomers are
area percentages determined by conventional gas-liquid chromatographic methods.
[0022] Generally, these engine oils are formulated with a performance additive package which
meets the desired API "S" Service Rating, most typically, API Service Rating SF. Performance
additive packages are commercially available and widely used in the manufacture of
engine oils. These packages are formulated to contain the necessary corrosion inhibitors,
detergents, dispersants, antiwear additives, defoamers, antioxidants, metal passivators
and other adjuvants required to obtain a useful motor oil of the desired quality,
i.e., meeting the desired API Service Rating. The use of these additive packages greatly
simplifies the task of the formulator. Highly useful SAE 10W-30 engine oils suitable
for use in gasoline engines are obtained when the oligomer composite contains 2% to
17% C₃₀ oligomer, 45% to 63% C₄₀ oligomer, 18% to 24% C₅₀ oligomer, 6% to 10% C₆₀
oligomer, and 6% to 10% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
[0023] In another embodiment of this invention non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 engine oils
suitable for use in diesel engines, i.e., meeting the appropriate API "C" Commercial
Classification, are also provided. The most common oils of this type are those having
API Service Ratings CC and CD. In addition to meeting the service requirements for
diesel engines, these SAE 10W-30 oils can also meet AP "S" Service requirements. These
latter types of "dual service" or "universal" engine oils have API Service Designations
CD/SD, CD/SE, CC/SE, CC/SF, and CD/SF Such universal oils are widely used by individuals
with mixed fleets, i.e., gasoline engine vehicles and lighter duty diesel engine vehicles,
such as automobile diesel engines. This facilitates servicing since only one engine
oil suitable for use in both types of vehicles need be inventoried. The SAE 10W-30
diesel and universal engine oils contain 10% to 20% by weight performance additives
so that the formulated oil meets the appropriate API Service requirements and 80%
to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer mixture containing 0.5% to 16%
C₃₀ oligomer, 55% to 68% C₄₀ oligomer, 14% to 23% C₅₀ oligomer, 3% to 9% C₆₀ oligomer,
and 3% to 9% C₇₀₊ oligomers. Most advantageously, the oligomer composite will contain
2% to 13% C₃₀ oligomer, 57% to 65% C₄₀ oligomer, 16% to 21% C₅₀ oligomer, 4% to 8%
C₆₀ oligomer, and 4% to 8% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
[0024] In yet another embodiment of this invention, non-polymer thickened SAE 15W-40 diesel
and universal engine oils are contemplated. These oils, which are typically recommended
for heavier duty usage, contain from 10% to 20% by weight of the appropriate performance
additives so that the formulated oil meets the desired API Service Rating with 80%
to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer mixture containing up to 2.5%
C₃₀ oligomer, 44% to 56% C₄₀ oligomer, 23% to 34% C₅₀ oligomer, 7% to 16% C₆₀ oligomer,
and 7% to 16% C₇₀₊ oligomers. Most generally, the oligomer composite contains from
1% to 2.5% C₃₀ oligomer, 45% to 55% C₄₀ oligomer, 25% to 33% C₅₀ oligomer, 8% to 15%
C₆₀ oligomer, and 8% to 15% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
[0025] As previously indicated, the performance additives are most generally incorporated
into the oil by the addition of an available additive package. The oil may, however,
be formulated by the addition of the individual additive components. In either case
the result is the same, that is, the engine oil contains the requisite amount of the
necessary additives to achieve the desired AP Services Rating. The useful additive
packages and the individual additives are known and commercially available.
[0026] Commercial additive packages are formulated to contain the necessary detergents,
dispersants, corrosion/rust inhibitors, antioxidants, antiwear additives, defoamers,
metal passivators, set point reducers, and the like to meet a specific API Service
Rating when employed at the recommended usage level. They do not, however, contain
viscosity index improvers. While it is not generally necessary, additional additives
may be employed in conjunction with these additive packages.
[0027] Most additive manufacturers supply a line of additive packages to meet the full range
of service requirements for gasoline engine oils, diesel engine oils, and universal
oils. For example, Ethyl Petroleum Additives Division provides a complete line of
products which are sold under the trademark HiTEC. The following is a list of the
various HiTEC additive packages and the recommended API Service Rating for each: HiTEC
918 - SF, HiTEC 850C - CD, HiTEC 909 - SF/CC, HiTEC 910 - SF/CC, HiTEC 914 - SF/CC,
HiTEC 920 - SF/CC, HiTEC 2000 - SF/CC, HiTEC 2001 - SF/CD, HiTEC 854 - SF/CD, HiTEC
861 - SF/CD, HiTEC 862 - SF/CD, HiTEC 865 - SF/CD. Similar additive packages are
available from other manufacturers. For example, the following are representative
universal additive packages: TLA-654A (SF/CD), TLA-668 (SF/CC), and TLA-679 (SF/CD)
manufactured by Texaco Chemical Company; OLA 8150A (SF/CD), OLA 8363C (SF/CC), OLA
8373 (SF/CC), OLA 8718 (SF/CD), and OLA 8730 (SF/CD) manufactured by Chevron Chemical
Company, Oronite Additives Division; Lubrizol (trademark) 7574 (SF/CC) and Lubrizol
3978 (SF/CD) manufactured by The Lubrizol Corporation; and Amoco (trademark) 6688
(SF/CD), 6689 (SF/CD), 6817 (SF/CC), and 6831 (SF/CC) manufactured by Amoco Petroleum
Additives Company. Other additive packages with different API service ratings are
available from the aforementioned manufacturers and other suppliers.
[0028] The dosage level employed will vary depending on the particular additive package
used. For example, optimal usage levels for SAE 15W-40 engine oils with the five HiTEC
SF/CD rated packages range from about 11.5 percent to 14.7 percent. Variations in
oligomer distribution may require adjustments of the dosage level even within the
same SAE grade. Even when an additive package is employed for the formulation, one
or more other additives may still be employed.
[0029] If desired, individual additive components including known antioxidants, dispersants,
detergents, metal passivators, rust/corrosion inhibitors, setting point reducers,
friction reducing agents and the like can be compounded with the oligomer composite
to obtain the engine oil. Useful antioxidants include substituted aromatic amines,
such as dioctyldiphenylamine, mono-t-octylphenylnaphthylamines, dioctylphenothiazine,
phenyl- -naphthylamine, N,Nʹ-di-butyl-p-phenylenediamine and the like; hindered phenols,
such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, 4,4ʹ-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenol), 2,2ʹ-thio-bis-(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol),
4,4ʹ-methylene-bis-(2,6-di-t-butylphenol); organic phosphites, such as trinonyl phosphite,
triphenyl phosphite, and the like; esters of thiodipropionic acid., such as dilauryl
thiodipropionate; and the like.
[0030] Representative detergents and dispersants include polyalkenylsuccinimides and oil-soluble
metal soaps, such as Ca, Ba, Mg and Al carboxylates, phenates and sulfonates.
[0031] Useful metal passivators include benzotriazole, 2-mercaptobenzotriazole, 2,5-dimercaptothiadiazole,
salts of salicylaminoguanidine, quinizarin, propyl gallate, and the like.
[0032] Useful rust/corrosion inhibitors include primary, secondary or tertiary aliphatic
or cycloaliphatic amines and amine salts of organic and inorganic acids; oil-soluble
alkylammonium carboxylates; substituted imidazolines and oxazolines; alkali metal
and alkaline earth metal carbonates; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of
alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, such as barium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonates, calcium
petroleumsulfonates, and the like; esters, anhydrides, and metal salts of organic
acids, such as sorbitan monooleate, lead naphthenate, and dodecylsuccinic anhydride;
and the like.
[0033] Set point reducers can include alkylated naphthalenes, alkylated phenols, polymethacrylates
and the like. Anti-wear additives can include sulfur, phosphorus, and halogen-containing
compounds, such as sulfurised vegetable oils, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates, chlorinated
paraffins, alkyl and aryl disulfides, and the like. Multifunctional additives such
as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,652,410, 4,162,224, and 4,534,872 can also
be utilized for the formulation of these engine oils.
[0034] The amount of the individual additives will vary and is dictated by the particular
application and the service requirement desired. The total amount of the additives,
however, falls within the above-prescribed weight percent limits specified for each
of the engine oils.
[0035] The following examples illustrate the engine oil formulations of the present invention
more fully. In these examples all parts are on a weight basis. Hydrogenated decene-1
oligomer mixtures were employed throughout as the basestocks for the formulations.
Oligomer distributions were determined by conventional gas-liquid chromatographic
(GLC) methods using a glass column [3ʹ × 2mm 1 percent SP-2100 on 100-120 Superlcoport
(trademark)]. Oligomer distributions are reported throughout as area percentages.
The injector temperature was maintained at 300°C and the flame ionization detector
at 375°C. Nitrogen was used as the carrier gas at a rate of 30 cm³/min. The oven temperature
was increased at a rate of 15°C/min over the range 140°C to 350°C and then maintained
at 350°C for 10 minutes. Separation of decene-1 oligomers above C₇₀ is not possible
employing this technique. For this reason, the last oligomer fraction is reported
as C₇₀₊ since it may also contain small amounts of oligomers higher than C₇₀, primarily
C₈₀ and C₉₀ oligomers.
[0036] Viscosities reported in the examples and identified as the Cold Crank Simulator (CCS)
viscosity and 100°C viscosity are determined in accordance with ASTM D-2602 and ASTM
D-445 per SAE J300 APR84 specifications. CCS viscosities are reported in centipoise
at the specified temperatures (°C) whereas 100°C viscosities are reported in centistokes.
EXAMPLE I
[0037] A non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 gasoline engine oil having an API Service Rating
SF was prepared using a mixture of hydrogenated decene-1 oligomers. The oligomer composite
employed as the basestock was obtained by blending two different polyalphaolefin synthetic
hydrocarbon fluids. The first fluid contained 4.8 percent C₃₀ oligomer, 63.7 percent
C₄₀ oligomer, 18.7 percent C₅₀ oligomer, 6.5 percent C₆₀ oligomer, and 6.3 percent
C₇₀₊ oligomer. The second fluid, which contained significantly higher amounts of the
higher oligomers, contained 54.7 percent C₄₀ oligomer, 24.5 percent C₅₀ oligomer,
10.0 percent C₆₀ oligomer, and 10.8 percent C₇₀₊ oligomers. The first and second fractions
were blended at a 1:1 ratio to produce an oligomer composite containing 2.40 percent
C₃₀ oligomer, 59.2 percent C₄₀ oligomer, 21.6 percent C₅₀ oligomer, 8.3 percent C₆₀
oligomer, and 8.6 percent C₇₀₊ oligomer. The oligomer composite (92.20 parts) was
combined with 7.80 parts low ash gasoline engine performance additive package (Lubrizol
(trademark) 7574] meeting API SF requirements. The resulting formulated oil had a
100°C viscosity of 10.09 centistokes and CCS viscosity at -20°C of 3290 centipoise.
The oil also met the Borderline Pumping Temperature requirements and stable pour point
requirements of SAE J300 APR84 for SAE grade 10W, thus fully qualifying it as a cross-graded
10W-30 SF engine oil.
EXAMPLE II
[0038] To further demonstrate the ability to obtain an SAE 10W-30 engine oil an oligomer
composite was prepared by blending the polyalphaolefin synthetic hydrocarbon fluids
of Example I. The first and second hydrocarbon fluids were combined in a ratio of
3.5:1 and 90 parts of the resulting oligomer composite (3.73% C₃₀ oligomer, 61.40%
C₄₀ oligomer, 19.70% C₅₀ oligomer, 7.06% C₆₀ oligomer, and 8.58% C₇₀₊ oligomer) was
formulated with 1.36 parts of a calcium alkylphenate detergent, 5.40 parts alkenyl
succinimide ashless dispersant, 1.57 parts alkyl zinc dithiophosphate antioxidant/antiwear
additive, 0.30 part thiodiethylene bis-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate antioxidant,
0.30 part alkylated phenyl-naphthylamine antioxidant, 0.05 part copper deactivator,
0.02 part antifoaming agent (10% silicon in toluene) and 1.00 part overbased calcium
sulfonate detergent/rust inhibitor. The resulting formulated oil had a 100°C viscosity
of 9.30 centistokes and CCS viscosity at -20°C of 3000 centipoise. The non-polymer
thickened oil met all of the SAE J300 APR84 requirements for 10W-30 oils.
[0039] A basestock obtained by blending the first and second polyalphaolefin synthetic hydrocarbon
fluids at a ratio of approximately 1:1.25 was also identically formulated to provide
an SAE 10W-30 engine oil. The 100°C and CCS (-20°C) viscosities for the formulated
oil were 10.0 and 3500, respectively.
EXAMPLE II
[0040] In accordance with the general procedure of Example I, an SAE 10W-30 SF engine oil
was obtained using a polyalphaolefin synthetic hydrocarbon basestock without the addition
of polymeric viscosity index improvers. The oil contained 92.20 parts polyalphaolefin
basestock and 7.80 parts of the API SF gasoline engine performance additive package.
The oligomer distribution of the basestock and 100°C viscosity and CCS viscosity at
-20°C of the resulting formulated engine oil were as follows:
% C₃₀ oligomer 4.1
% C₄₀ oligomer 62.4
% C₅₀ oligomer 19.6
% C₆₀ oligomer 7.0
% C₇₀₊ oligomer 7.0
Viscosity:
100°C 9.39
CCS (-20°C) 2690
The formulation fully met the viscosity requirements of SAE J300 APR84 for 10W-30
oils.
EXAMPLES IV AND V
[0041] Additional non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 SF engine oils were prepared using basestock
comprised of mixtures of decene-1 oligomers. The basestocks were obtained by blending
two polyalphaolefin synthetic hydrocarbon fluids. The first fluid contained 84.9 percent
C₃₀ oligomer and 14.8 percent C₄₀ oligomer. The second fluid was the same as that
described in Example I. The API SF performance additive package was also the same
as used in Example I. Compositions of the engine oils, including the overall oligomer
distribution of the resulting synthetic hydrocarbon blends, were as follows:

The formulated oil of Example IV had a 100°C viscosity of 9.31 centistokes and CCS
(-20°C) viscosity of 2810 centipoise. The formulated oil of Example V had a 100°C
viscosity of 10.00 centistokes and CCS (-20°C) viscosity of 3200 centipoise.
EXAMPLES VI AND V
[0042] Non-polymer thickened SAE 10W-30 SF/CD universal engine oils suitable for use in
both gasoline and diesel engines were prepared. For these formulations, 86.31 parts
polyalphaolefin synthetic hydrocarbon basestocks comprised of mixtures of decene-1
oligomers were combined with 13.69 parts performance additive package meeting AP SF/CD
service requirements [Lubrizol (trademark) 3978]. The oligomer distribution of each
basestock and the 100°C and CCS (-20°C) viscosities for the resulting formulated engine
oils were as follows:

EXAMPLES XI AND XII
[0043] SAE 15W-40 engine oils suitable for use in diesel engines were prepared which did
not contain polymeric viscosity index improvers. The basestock employed were mixtures
of hydrogenated oligomers obtained from the oligomerization of decene-1. The amount
of basestock and the distribution of decene-1 oligomers in the basestock are set forth
below. The amount of the performance additive package employed is also indicated.
For the formulation of Example XI, a low ash universal SF/CD performance package [Lubrizol
(trademark) 3978] was used whereas the formulation of Example XII employed a high
ash premium SF/CD performance package [OLOA 8718 manufactured by Chevron Chemical
Company]. Compositional details and viscosities of the resulting formulated engine
oils were as follows:

Both oils also met the Borderline Pumping Temperature requirements of SAE J300 APR84
for grade SAE 15W, thus fully qualifying these oils as cross-graded 15W-40 SF/CD motor
oils without the addition of polymeric viscosity index improvers.
1. A non-polymer thickened engine oil capable of meeting SAE requirements as low as
SAE 10W and as high as SAE 40 comprising 80 to 95% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1-oligomer
mixture and .5 to 20% by weight of engine performance additives such that the formulated
oil meets API Service Requirements, characterized by the oligomer mixture containing
5% to 20% C₃₀ oligomer, 43% to 68% C₄₀ oligomer, 14% to 34% C₅₀ oligomer, 5% to 16%
C₆₀ oligomer and 5% to 16% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
2. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 1 wherein the oil is SAE 10W-30
gasoline engine oil comprising 90% to 95% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1 oligomer
mixture and 5% to 10% by weight gasoline engine performance additives such that the
formulated oil meets API "S" Service Requirements, said oligomer mixture consisting
essentially of 0.5% to 20% C₃₀ oligomer, 43% to 66% C₄₀ oligomer, 16% to 26% C₅₀ oligomer,
5% to 11% C₆₀ oligomer, and 5% to 11% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
3. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the oil meets the
requirements of API Service Category SF.
4. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the oligomer mixture
contains 2% to 17% C₃₀ oligomer, 45% to 63% C₄₀ oligomer, 18% to 24% C₅₀ oligomer,
6% to 10% C₆₀ oligomer, and 6% to 10% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
5. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 1 wherein the oil is SAE 10W-30
universal or diesel engine oil comprising 80% to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1
oligomer mixture and 10% to 20% by weight universal or diesel engine performance additives
such that the formulated oil meets API "C" Service Requirements or API "S" and "C"
Service Requirements, said oligomer mixture consisting essentially of 0.5% to 16%
C₃₀ oligomer, 55% to 68% C₄₀ oligomer, 14% to 23% C₅₀ oligomer, 3% to 9% C₆₀ oligomer,
and 3% to 9% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
6. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 5 which meets the requirements of
API Service Category CD.
7. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 5 which meets the requirements of
API Service Categories SF and CD.
8. A non-polymer thickened oil according to any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the oligomer
mixture contains 2% to 13% C₃₀ oligomer, 57% to 65% C₄₀ oligomer, 16% to 21% C₅₀ oligomer,
4% to 8% C₆₀ oligomer, and 4% to 8% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
9. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 1 wherein the oil is SAE 15W-40
universal or diesel engine oil comprising 80% to 90% by weight of a hydrogenated decene-1
oligomer mixture and 10% to 20% by weight universal or diesel engine performance additives
such that the formulated oil meets API "C" Service Requirements of API "S" and "C"
Service Requirements, said oligomer mixture consisting essentially of up to 2.5% C₃₀
oligomer, 44% to 56% C₄₀ oligomer, 23% to 34% C₅₀ oligomer, 7% to 16% C₆₀ oligomer,
and 7% to 16% C₇₀₊ oligomers.
10. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 9 which meets the requirements
of API Service Category CD.
11. A non-polymer thickened oil according to Claim 9 which meets the requirements
of API Service Categories SF and CD.
12. A non-polymerized thickened oil according to any of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the
oligomer mixture contains from 1% to 2.5% C₃₀ oligomer, 45% to 55% C₄₀ oligomer, 25%
to 33% C₅₀ oligomer, 8% to 15% C₆₀ oligomer, and 8% to 15% C₇₀₊ oligomers.