FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to crankcase lubricants. More particularly, it relates
to universal lubricants which are effective to minimize soot related viscosity increase
and thermal oxidation induced viscosity increase while preventing wear and corrosion
under a variety of conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A crankcase lubricant that performs adequately in one engine at given operating conditions
does not necessarily perform adequately when used in a different engine or under different
conditions. While theoretically, lubricants could be designed for each possible combination
of engine and service condition, such a strategy would be impracticable because many
different types of engines exist and the engines are used under different conditions.
Accordingly, lubricants that perform well in different types of engines and across
a broad spectrum of conditions (e.g. fuel type, operating load, and temperature) are
desired. Design of crankcase lubricants is further complicated in that the concentrated
mixture of chemicals added to lubricating oil basestocks to impart desirable properties
should perform well over a broad range of different quality basestocks. Meeting these
requirements has been extremely difficult because the formulations are complicated,
tests to ascertain whether a lubricant performs well are extremely expensive and time
consuming, and collecting field test data is difficult since variables cannot be controlled
sufficiently.
[0003] Ever more stringent regulation of vehicle emissions make the task even more challenging.
Most recently, in North America the maximum permitted level of sulfur present in over
the highway diesel fuel has been lowered to 0.05 wt %. A new API category defined
as API CG-4 addresses the performance of heavy duty lubricants with low sulfur fuels.
[0004] At the same time fuel sulfur levels for off-highway equipment may have a higher level.
Furthermore, in some geographical regions such as Latin America, fuel sulfur levels
remain high for all applications. Lubricants for use in heavy duty diesel engines
therefore need to perform acceptably across a range of sulfur fuel levels.
[0005] To meet this need the American Petroleum Institute ("API") issues certification licenses
for lubricants that pass a panel of tests designed to verify a lubricant's performance
in a variety of engines operated at conditions that have been associated with lubrication
problems. In addition to the requirements for API licensing, manufacturers of heavy
duty diesel engines periodically have required lubricants to pass additional tests
before the lubricant can be approved for use with that manufacturer's engines. Lubricants
that meet all the certification requirements of heavy duty diesel engine manufacturers
and all the requirements for the highest level of the American Petroleum Institute's
oil service classifications for both gasoline fueled engines and heavy duty diesel
fueled engines are often referred to as universal oils.
[0006] Among the many tests that heavy duty diesel lubricants have been required to pass
are the Caterpillar 1G2 and the more recent Caterpillar 1 M-PC, 1K, and 1 N tests.
Acceptability of an oil is based on control of oil consumption and piston deposits
(top groove fill, top land heavy carbon, and weighted deposits). Stuck piston rings
or distress of the piston, its rings, or its liner will also disqualify an oil. The
Caterpillar 1 N requires a low sulfur fuel (0.05 wt %) while the 1K uses a fuel with
traditional sulfur levels (0.4 wt %).
[0007] The Mack T-7 test and its successor the Mack T-8 are part of a panel used to determine
acceptability of oils for engines manufactured by Mack Truck Company. The Mack T-7
(the Mack Truck Technical Services Standard Test Procedure NO. 5GT 57 entitled "Mack
T-7: Diesel Engine Oil Viscosity Evaluation", dated Aug. 31, 1984) tests soot related
viscosity increase in diesel engines.
[0008] The Mack T-8 (the Mack Truck Technical Services Standard Test Procedure entitled
"Mack T-8: Diesel Engine Oil Viscosity Evaluation", dated October 1993) evolved because
the fuel injection timing in some newer engines has been retarded to enable the engines
to meet emission requirements. At the same time fuels have been reformulated to have
lower sulfur content altering physical and chemical properties of the soot. Some engines
designed to run on low sulfur fuel with retarded fuel injection have experienced excessively
high soot related viscosity increases, excessively high filter pressure drops, and
excessive sludge deposits. The Mack T-8 test runs for 250 hours with an engine operating
at 1,800 RPM with an applied load 1010 -1031 lb.-ft (1369.4 - 1397.8 newton-meters).
Throughout the test, the soot levels, the differential pressure across the oil filter,
and kinematic viscosity of the test fluid are measured. The measured viscosities and
soot levels are used to interpolate a viscosity at 3.8 wt % soot level. An oil passes
the test if that viscosity differs from the lowest viscosity measured in the test
by 11.5 cSt or less. If two tests are run the two results when averaged must be 12.5
cSt or less. If three tests are run the three results when averaged must be less than
13 cSt. An additional requirement includes control of filter pressure differential.
The Mack T-8 is much more severe than the Mack T-7 test and requires a higher dispersancy
level in the fluid.
[0009] Another test required of heavy duty diesel lubricants is the CRC L-38 (ASTM D5119).
That test is run on a single cylinder laboratory gasoline engine. It is designed to
test a lubricant's ability to prevent corrosion of a bearing made from copper and
lead, and to prevent sludge and varnish formation.
[0010] Heavy duty diesel engines must also perform satisfactorily in off road conditions.
The John Deere Company, a manufacturer of farm equipment, is concerned about high
temperature performance of lubricants because oil coolers sometimes become covered
with mud. The John Deere 6466A High Temperature Engine Oil Test Procedure (JDQ-78)
tests high temperature thermal oxidative oil thickening in a heavy duty diesel engine.
[0011] Among the many tests required to meet the API SH classification (and its predecessor
the API SG classification) are the Sequence IID (ASTM STP 315h part 1), Sequence IIIE
(ASTM D553), and Sequence VE (ASTM D5302). The Seq. IID (ASTM STP 315h part 1) monitors
an oil's ability to inhibit rust. It is intended to simulate cold winter conditions
for short trip driving when condensation on the valve cover creates a corrosive environment.
The Seq. IIIE (ASTM D553) measures high temperature oil thickening, sludge and varnish
deposits, and engine wear. The Seq. VE (ASTM D5302) measures the lubricant's ability
to prevent deposits and wear encountered during low-temperature, light duty operating
conditions. Primary rating factors include measurement of sludge, varnish, and camshaft
wear in the engine.
[0012] Another factor complicating design of lubricants is the well known problem that an
additive, or combination of additives, that improves performance in one respect may
make the cost of the lubricant too high or may adversely affect performance in another
respect.
[0013] Ripple US 5,202,036 describes a formulation designed to pass the Caterpillar 1G2,
the Mack T-7, and the CRC L-38 tests. US 5,202,036 uses two parameters to indicate
the amount (TBN) and source (metal ratio) of basicity of a given material. Total Base
Number, "TBN", is an industry standard used to correlate the basicity of any material
to that of potassium hydroxide. The value is reported as mg KOH and is measured according
to ASTM D2896. "Metal ratio" is a calculated value that relates the total amount of
metal present to number of equivalents of metal required to saturate the anion of
the organic acid. If the metal ratio is 1, the amount of metal present is the amount
required to saturate the anion of the organic acid. If the metal ratio is greater
than 1, metal in excess of that required to saturate the anion is present. The term
"overbased" may be used to describe any metal salt of an organic acid having a metal
ratio greater than 1 though typically overbased sulfonates will be used at metal ratios
in excess of 2.
[0014] US 5,202,036, describes a lubricant that has a TBN in the range of 6 to about 15
and has a specifically defined dispersant and an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt
of an organic acid having a metal ratio greater than at least about 2 wherein the
specifically defined dispersant provides from 0.5 to 1.5 TBN and the metal salt component
includes a magnesium salt or salts such that the magnesium salts or salts contribute
no more than about 30 % of the TBN of the composition. The patent does not address
tests required for gasoline fueled engines or the Mack T-8 test.
[0015] US 4,941,984 to Chamberlin describes a lubricant intended for use with spark ignited
engines fueled by gasoline, alcohol, or mixtures of both. It requires a metal detergent
that is either a basic magnesium salt of an organic acid or a basic mixture of alkaline
earth metal salts of one or more organic acid wherein at least 50 % of the metal is
magnesium together with a metal (other than magnesium or calcium) salt of either a
substituted succinic acid acylated polyamine or a hydrocarbon substituted aromatic
carboxylic acid containing at least one hydroxyl group attached to the aromatic ring.
Chamberlin defines "basic" when applied to the magnesium salts as follows: "The basic
magnesium salt and other basic alkaline earth metal salts ... are referred to as basic
salts because they contain an excess of magnesium or other alkaline earth metal cation.
Generally, the basic or overbased salts will have a metal ratio of about 2 to about
30 or 40." He asserts that his lubricants having high levels of basic (i.e. metal
ratio ≥ 2) magnesium salts when used in alcohol fueled engines or mixed alcohol/gasoline
fueled engines minimize corrosive wear and pre-ignition problems associated with alcohol
fueled engines. Chamberlin further asserts that his lubricant can be formulated to
qualify for API "SG" classification. The Chamberlin patent is not concerned with the
unique problems associated with soot related viscosity increase or piston deposits
formed in diesel engines.
[0016] Another patent addressing a way to use Group II metal hydrocarbyl sulfonates to achieve
high TBN while recognizing that they are deleterious in other respects is EP 277,729
to Rollin. Rollin's formulation includes zinc dithiophosphate having both primary
(1°) and secondary (2°) character such that the ratio of primary:secondary is from
about 1: 1 to about 5:1, a succinimide dispersant: and a TBN in finished oil of at
least 8. He states the succinimide is necessary to pass friction tests and the upper
limit on the amount of succinimide present does not matter to performance but is determined
solely by cost. While Rollin reports a significant number of engine tests, no Mack
T-7 results are shown. Nor does he show any test results where the metal salt of a
dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphoric acid made from secondary alcohol exceeds the amount
made from primary alcohol.
[0017] Additional patents relating to the use of zinc dithiophosphates made from specific
secondary alcohols and used with specific dispersants are US 4,904,401, 4, 957,649,
and 4,981,602 all to Ripple.
[0018] Beyond the patents listed above, the art is replete with documents where authors
have addressed the need to meet performance demands. EP 317 354 A to Carroll et al
teaches that crankcase lubricants having improved fuel economy performance can be
achieved by using mixtures of overbased calcium and magnesium detergents wherein the
amount of calcium overbased detergent is balanced against the amount of magnesium
overbased detergent (0.3: 1 to 6:1 on a weight % metal basis) while the amount of
primary zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is balanced against the amount of
secondary ZDDP (0.4:1 to 9 to 1 on a basis of weight primary ZDDP component vs. weight
secondary ZDDP component).
[0019] Despite all the work that has gone before, a need remains for lubricants that perform
extremely well in diesel tests that use low sulfur. fuel, including the Mack T-8 and
the Caterpillar 1 N, without compromising performance in the older tests and that
deliver the requirements for the highest API classification for lubricants intended
to be used in gasoline fueled engines -- superior resistance to oxidation, rust, and
wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Surprisingly, a lubricating oil having a sulfated ash content between 0.35 and 2
mass percent and having an ashless nitrogenous source of TBN together with ash containing
detergent having a TBN in excess of 100, a source of magnesium, and metal dihydrocarbyl
dithiophosphate with predominantly or exclusively secondary hydrocarbyl groups gives
excellent performance in the Mack T-8, and the Caterpillar 1K and 1 N without sacrificing
performance in the CRC L-38, the Seq. IID, IIIE, or VE. The finished lubricant has
a sulfated ash content between 0.35 and 2 mass per cent and comprises a major amount
of an oil of lubricating viscosity to which certain components have been added. The
added components are:
A) a nitrogenous TBN source selected from the group consisting of ashless nitrogen
containing dispersants, ashless nitrogen containing dispersant viscosity modifiers,
oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl, or arylalkyl amines and mixtures thereof;
B) a metal salt of an oil soluble acid having a TBN in excess of 100;
C) a magnesium salt in an amount sufficient to provide at least 500 ppm (mass) magnesium,
and
D) at least one metal dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate; and a boron containing additive
in an amount that provides at least 100 ppm (mass) boron.
[0021] The TBN provided by the nitrogenous source of TBN is at least 1.5. The metal salt
of an oil soluble acid provides at least 40 % of the total TBN of the composition.
At least 50 mole per cent of the hydrocarbyl groups on the dithiophosphate are secondary
(i.e., at least 50 mole % of the alcohols used to introduce the hydrocarbyl groups
into the dithiophosphoric acid precursor to the metal dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate
are secondary). Conveniently at least 60 mole per cent of the hydrocarbyl groups on
the dithiophosphate are secondary. Preferably at least 75 mole per cent of the hydrocarbyl
groups on the dithiophosphate are secondary. Sulfated ash is the total weight per
cent of ash (based on the oil's metal content) and is determined for a given oil by
ASTM D874. A common industry standard for determining the amount of magnesium present
in fresh oil is the inductively coupled plasma atomic spectroscopy method described
in ASTM D4951.
[0022] Conveniently the metal salt of an oil soluble acid having a TBN in excess of 100
is a metal salt of an oil soluble sulfonic acid having a TBN in excess of 100. While
the additive providing at least 500 ppm magnesium may be a neutral salt, most conveniently,
magnesium sulfonate having a TBN in excess of 100 is both the metal salt of an oil
soluble acid and the additive providing at least 500 ppm (mass) magnesium.
[0023] In other aspects of the invention, the lubricant described above is free of aromatic
amines having at least two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen and hetero
cyclic nitrogen. Preferably the lubricant both is free of aromatic amines having at
least two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen and includes at least
0.0008 mole % hindered phenol antioxidant. Hindered phenol antioxidants are oil soluble
phenolic compounds where the hydroxy group is stearicly hindered. In further aspects
of the invention the lubricant has additives providing at least 100 ppm (mass) boron
and at least 1000 ppm (mass) phosphorous. The boron-to-nitrogen mass ratio is at least
0.1. Common industry standard methods for determining boron and phosphorous levels
in lubricating oils are ASTM D5185 and ASTM D4951 respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. LUBRICATING OIL
[0024] The lubricating oil may be selected from any of the synthetic or natural oils used
as crankcase lubricating oils for spark-ignited and compression-ignited engines. The
lubricating oil base stock conveniently has a viscosity of about 2.5 to about 12 cSt
or mm
2/s and preferably about 2.5 to about 9 cSt or mm
2/s at 100°C. Mixtures of synthetic and natural base oils may be used if desired.
B. NITROGENOUS SOURCE OF TBN
[0025] The nitrogenous TBN source is selected from the group consisting of ashless nitrogen
containing dispersants, ashless nitrogen containing dispersant viscosity modifiers,
oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl, or arylalkyl amines and mixtures thereof.
NITROGEN CONTAINING ASHLESS DISPERSANT
[0026] In general the nitrogen containing ashless dispersants comprise an oil solubilizing
polymeric hydrocarbon backbone derivatized with nitrogen substituents that are capable
of associating with polar particles to be dispersed. Typically, the dispersants comprise
a nitrogen containing moiety attached to the polymer backbone often via a bridging
group. The nitrogen containing ashless dispersant of the present invention may be
selected from any of the well known oil soluble salts, amides, imides, amino-esters,
and oxazolines of long chain hydrocarbon substituted mono and dicarboxylic acids or
their anhydrides; thiocarboxylate derivatives of long chain hydrocarbons; long chain
aliphatic hydrocarbons having a polyamine attached directly thereto; and Mannich condensation
products formed by condensing a long chain substituted phenol with formaldehyde and
polyalkylene polyamine.
[0027] The oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone is typically an olefin polymer, especially
polymers comprising a major molar amount (i.e. greater than 50 mole %) of a C
2 to C
18 olefin (e.g., ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, pentene, octene-1, styrene),
and typically a C
2 to C
5 olefin. The oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone may be a homopolymer (e.g.
polypropylene or polyisobutylene) or a copolymer of two or more of such olefins (e.g.
copolymers of ethylene and an alpha-olefin such as propylene and butylene or copolymers
of two different alpha-olefins). Other copolymers include those in which a minor molar
amount of the copolymer monomers, e.g., 1 to 10 mole %, is a C
3 to C
22 non-conjugated diolefin (e.g., a copolymer of isobutylene and butadiene, or a copolymer
of ethylene, propylene and 1,4-hexadiene or 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene).
[0028] One preferred class of olefin polymers is polybutenes and specifically polyisobutenes
(PIB) or poly-n-butenes, such as may be prepared by polymerization of a C
4 refinery stream. Another preferred class of olefin polymers is ethylene alpha-olefin
(EAO) copolymers or alpha-olefin homo- and copolymers having in each case a high degree
(e. g. >30%) of terminal vinylidene unsaturation. That is, the polymer has the following
structure:

wherein P is the polymer chain and R is a C
1 - C
18 alkyl group, typically methyl or ethyl. Preferably the polymers have at least 50%
of the polymer chains with terminal vinylidene unsaturation. EAO copolymers of this
type preferably contain 1 to 50 wt.% ethylene, and more preferably 5 to 45 wt.% ethylene.
Such polymers may contain more than one alpha-olefin and may contain one or more C
3 to C
22 diolefins. Also usable are mixtures of EAO's of low ethylene content with EAO's of
high ethylene content. The EAO's may also be mixed or blended with PIB's of various
n's or components derived from these may be mixed or blended. Atactic propylene oligomer
typically having
n of from 700 to 500 may also be used, as described in EP-A-490454.
[0029] Suitable olefin polymers and copolymers may be prepared by cationic polymerization
of hydrocarbon feedstreams, usually C
3 - C
5, in the presence of a strong Lewis acid catalyst and a reaction promoter, usually
an organoaluminum such as HCI or ethylaluminum dichloride. Tubular or stirred reactors
may be used. Such polymerizations and catalysts are described, e.g., in US 4,935,576
and 4,952,739. Fixed bed catalyst systems may also be used as in US 4,982,045 and
UK-A 2,001,662. Most commonly, polyisobutylene polymers are derived from Raffinate
I refinery feedstreams. Conventional Ziegler-Natta polymerization may also be employed
to provide olefin polymers suitable for use to prepare dispersants and other additives.
[0030] Such preferred polymers may be prepared by polymerizing the appropriate monomers
in the presence of a catalyst system comprising at least one metallocene (e.g. a cyclopentadienyl-transition
metal compound) and preferably an activator, e.g. an alumoxane compound. The metallocenes
may be formed with one, two, or more cyclopentadienyl groups, which are substituted
or unsubstituted. The metallocene may also contain a further displaceable ligand,
preferably displaced by a cocatalyst - a leaving group - that is usually selected
from a wide variety of hydrocarbyl groups and halogens. Optionally there is a bridge
between the cyclopentadienyl groups and/or leaving group and/or transition metal,
which may comprise one or more of a carbon, germanium, silicon, phosphorus or nitrogen
atom-containing radical. The transition metal may be a Group IV V or VI transition
metal. Such polymerizations and catalysts are described, for example, in US 4,871,705,
4,937,299, 5,017,714: 5,120,867; 4,665,208; 5,153,157; 5,198,401: 5,241,025; 5,057,475;
5,096,867; 5,055,438; 5,227,440; 5,064,802; USSN 992,690 (filed Dec. 17, 1992); EP-A-129,368,
520,732, 277,003, 277,004, 420436; WO91/04257, 93/08221 and 93/08199.
[0031] The oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone will usually have number average molecular
weight (
n) within the range of from 300 to 20,000. The
n of the backbone is preferably within the range of 500 to 10,000, more preferably
700 to 5,000 where the use of the backbone is to prepare a component having the primary
function of dispersancy. Hetero polymers such as polyepoxides are also usable to prepare
components. Both relatively low molecular weight (
n 500 to 1500) and relatively high molecular weight (
n 1500 to 5,000 or greater) polymers are useful to make dispersants. Particularly useful
olefin polymers for use in dispersants have
n within the range of from 1500 to 3000. Where the component is also intended to have
a viscosity modification effect it is desirable to use higher molecular weight, typically
with
n of from 2,000 to 20,000, and if the component is intended to function primarily as
a viscosity modifier then the molecular weight may be even higher with an
n of from 20,000 up to 500,000 or greater. The functionalized olefin polymers used
to prepare dispersants preferably have approximately one terminal double bond per
polymer chain.
[0032] The
n for such polymers can be determined by several known techniques. A convenient method
for such determination is by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) which additionally
provides molecular weight distribution information, see W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland
and D. D. Bly, "Modem Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography", John Wiley and Sons,
New York, 1979.
[0033] The oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone may be functionalized to incorporate
a functional group into the backbone of the polymer, or as pendant groups from the
polymer backbone. The functional group typically will be polar and contain one or
more hetero atoms such as P, O, S, N, halogen, or boron. It can be attached to a saturated
hydrocarbon part of the oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone via substitution
reactions or to an olefinic portion via addition or cycloaddition reactions. Alternatively,
the functional group can be incorporated into the polymer by oxidation or cleavage
of a small portion of the end of the polymer (e.g., as in ozonolysis).
[0034] Useful functionalization reactions include: halogenation of the polymer at an olefinic
bond and subsequent reaction of the halogenated polymer with an ethylenically unsaturated
functional compound; reaction of the polymer with an unsaturated functional compound
by the "ene" reaction absent halogenation (an example of the former functionalization
is maleation where the polymer is reacted with maleic acid or anhydride); reaction
of the polymer with at least one phenol group (this permits derivatization in a Mannich
Base-type condensation); reaction of the polymer at a point of unsaturation with carbon
monoxide using a Koch-type reaction to introduce a carbonyl group in an iso or neo
position; reaction of the polymer with the functionalizing compound by free radical
addition using a free radical catalyst; reaction with a thiocarboxylic acid derivative;
and reaction of the polymer by air oxidation methods, epoxidation, chloroamination,
or ozonolysis.
[0035] The functionalized oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbone is then further derivatized
with a nucleophilic amine, amino-alcohol, or mixture thereof to form oil soluble salts,
amides, imides, amino-esters, and oxazolines. Useful amine compounds include mono-
and (preferably) polyamines, most preferably polyalkylene polyamines, of about 2 to
60, preferably 2 to 40 (e.g. 3 to 20), total carbon atoms and about 1 to 12, preferably
3 to 12, and most preferably 3 to 9 nitrogen atoms in the molecule. These amines may
be hydrocarbyl amines or may be predominantly hydrocarbyl amines in which the hydrocarbyl
group includes other groups, e.g., hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, amide groups, nitriles,
imidazoline groups, and the like. Useful amine compounds for derivatizing functionalized
polymers comprise at least one amine and can comprise one or more additional amine
or other reactive or polar groups. Where the functional group is a carboxylic acid,
carboxylic ester or thiol ester, it reacts with the amine to form an amide. Preferred
amines are aliphatic saturated amines. Non-limiting examples of suitable amine compounds
include: 1,2-diaminoethane; 1,3-diaminopropane; 1,4-diaminobutane; 1,6-diaminohexane;
polyethylene amines such as diethylene triamine; triethylene tetramine; tetraethylene
pentamine; and polypropyleneamines such as 1,2-propylene diamine; and di-(1,2-propylene)
triamine.
[0036] Other useful amine compounds include: alicyclic diamines such as 1,4-di(aminomethyl)
cyclohexane, and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds such as imidazolines. Mixtures of
amine compounds may advantageously be used such as those prepared by reaction of alkylene
dihalide with ammonia. Useful amines also include polyoxyalkylene polyamines. A particularly
useful class of amines are the polyamido and related amido-amines as disclosed in
US 4,857,217; 4,956,107; 4,963,275; and 5,229,022. Also usable is tris(hydroxymethyl)amino
methane (THAM) as described in US 4,102,798; 4,113,639; 4,116,876; and UK 989,409.
[0037] Dendrimers, star-like amines, and comb-structure amines may also be used. Similarly,
one may use the condensed amines of Steckel US 5,053,152. The functionalized polymer
of this invention is reacted with the amine compound according to conventional techniques
as in EP-A 208,560 and US 5,229,022 using any of a broad range of reaction ratios
as described therein.
[0038] A preferred group of nitrogen containing ashless dispersants includes those derived
from polyisobutylene substituted with succinic anhydride groups and reacted with polyethylene
amines (e.g. tetraethylene pentamine, pentaethylene, hexamine, polyoxypropylene diamine),
aminoalcohols such as trismethylolaminomethane, and optionally additional reactants
such as alcohols and reactive metals e.g. pentaerythritol, and combinations thereof).
[0039] Also useful as nitrogen containing ashless dispersants are dispersants wherein a
polyamine is attached directly to the long chain aliphatic hydrocarbon as shown in
US 3,275,554 and 3,565,804 where a halogen group on a halogenated hydrocarbon is displaced
with various alkylene polyamines.
[0040] Another class of nitrogen-containing ashless dispersants comprises Mannich base condensation
products. Generally, these Mannich condensation products are prepared by condensing
about one mole of an alkyl-substituted mono- or polyhydroxy benzene with about 1 to
2.5 moles of carbonyl compounds (e.g., formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde) and about
0.5 to 2 moles polyalkylene polyamine as disclosed, for example, in US 3,442,808.
Such Mannich condensation products may include a long chain, high molecular weight
hydrocarbon (e.g.,
n of 1,500 or greater) on the benzene group or may be reacted with a compound containing
such a hydrocarbon, for example, polyalkenyl succinic anhydride as shown in US 3,442,808.
[0041] Examples of dispersants prepared from polymers prepared from metallocene catalysts
and then functionalized, derivatized, or functionalized and derivatized are described
in US 5,266,223, 5,128,056, 5,200,103, 5,225,092, 5,151,204, USSN 992,403 (filed Dec.
17, 1992), 992,192 (filed Dec. 17, 1992), 070,572 (filed June 2, 1993); EP-A-440506,
513211, 513157.
[0042] The functionalizations, derivatizations, and post-treatments described in the following
patents may also be adapted to functionalize and/or derivatize the preferred polymers
described above: US 3,275,554, 3,565,804, 3,442,808, 3,442,808, 3,087,936 and 3,254,025.
[0043] The nitrogen containing dispersant can be further post-treated by a variety of conventional
post treatments such as boration as generally taught in US 3,087,936 and 3,254,025.
This is readily accomplished by treating an acyl nitrogen dispersant with a boron
compound selected from the class consisting of boron oxide, boron halides, boron acids
and esters of boron acids in an amount to provide from about 0.1 atomic proportion
of boron for each mole of the acylated nitrogen composition to about 20 atomic proportions
of boron for each atomic proportion of nitrogen of the acylated nitrogen composition.
Usefully the dispersants contain from about 0.05 to 2.0 wt. %, e.g. 0.05 to 0.7 wt.
% boron based on the total weight of the borated acyl nitrogen compound. The boron,
which appears to be in the product as dehydrated boric acid polymers (primarily (HBO
2)
3), is believed to attach to the dispersant imides and diimides as amine salts e. g.
the metaborate salt of the diimide.
[0044] Boration is readily carried out by adding from about 0.05 to 4, e.g. 1 to 3 wt. %
(based on the weight of acyl nitrogen compound) of a boron compound, preferably boric
acid, which is usually added as a slurry to the acyl nitrogen compound and heating
with stirring at from about 135° C. to 190°, e.g. 140°-170° C., for from 1 to 5 hours
followed by nitrogen stripping. Or, the boron treatment can be carried out by adding
boric acid to a hot reaction mixture of the dicarboxylic acid material and amine while
removing water.
ASHLESS NITROGEN CONTAINING DISPERSANT VISCOSITY MODIFIERS
[0045] Viscosity modifiers (or viscosity index improvers) impart high and low temperature
operability to a lubricating oil. Viscosity modifiers that function as dispersants
are also known. In general, these dispersant viscosity modifiers are polymers as described
below that are functionalized (e.g. inter polymers of ethylene-propylene post grafted
with an active monomer such as maleic anhydride) and then derivatized with an alcohol
or amine. When the dispersant viscosity modifier is derivatized with a nitrogen containing
group, it is a nitrogenous TBN source as contemplated in the present invention. The
lubricant may be formulated with or without a conventional viscosity modifier and
with or without a dispersant viscosity modifier. When the lubricant contains a dispersant
viscosity modifier that contains nitrogen, the TBN contribution of the dispersant
viscosity modifier is included in the TBN contribution of the nitrogen containing
components of the present invention.
[0046] Suitable compounds for use as viscosity modifiers are generally high molecular weight
hydrocarbon polymers, including polyesters. Oil soluble viscosity modifying polymers
generally have weight average molecular weights of from about 10,000 to 1,000,000,
preferably 20,000 to 500,000, as determined by gel permeation chromatography or light
scattering methods.
[0047] Representative examples of suitable viscosity modifiers are polyisobutylene, copolymers
of ethylene and propylene and higher alpha-olefins, polymethacrylates, polyalkylmethacrylates,
methacrylate copolymers, copolymers of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and a vinyl
compound, inter polymers of styrene and acrylic esters, and partially hydrogenated
copolymers of styrene/isoprene, styrene/butadiene, and isoprene/butadiene, as well
as the partially hydrogenated homopolymers of butadiene and isoprene and isoprene/divinylbenzene.
[0048] In general, viscosity modifiers that function as dispersant viscosity modifiers are
polymers as described above that are functionalized (e.g. inter polymers of ethylene-propylene
post grafted with an active monomer such as maleic anhydride) and then derivatized
with an alcohol or amine. Description of how to make such dispersant viscosity modifiers
are found in US 4,089,794, 4,160,739, and 4,137,185. Other dispersant viscosity modifiers
are copolymers of ethylene or propylene reacted or grafted with nitrogen compounds
such as shown in US 4,068,056, 4,068,058, 4,146,489 and 4,149,984.
OIL SOLUBLE ALIPHATIC, OXYALKYL, OR ARYLALKYL AMINE
[0049] Alkoxylated amines are well known to improve boundary layer lubrication. These compounds
may be mono or diamines, for example

and

where: R is H or CH
3; R
1 is a C
8-C
28 saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, aliphatic hydrocarbyl radical,
preferably C
10-C
20, most preferably C
14-C
18; R
2 is a straight or branched chain C
1-C
6 alkylene radical, preferably C
2-C
3; R
3, R
4, and R
5 are independently the same or different, straight or branched chain C
2-C
5 alkylene radical, preferably C
2-C
4; R
6, R
7, and R
8 are independently H or CH
3; R
9 is a straight or branched chain C
1-C
5 alkylene radical, preferably C
2-C
3; X is oxygen or sulfur, preferably oxygen; m is 0 or 1, preferably 1; and n is an
integer, independently 1-4, preferably 1.
[0050] Conveniently X represents oxygen, R and R
1 contain a combined total of 18 carbon atoms, R
2 represents a C
3 alkylene radical, R
3 and R
4 represent C
2 alkylene radicals, R
6 and R
7 are hydrogens, m is 1, and each n is 1. Preferred amine compounds contain a combined
total of from about 18 to about 30 carbon atoms. These amines may be made according
to the process described in US 3,456,012. Another method of preparing an amine where
X = oxygen and m = 1 is described in US 4,201,684. Still other descriptions of amines
where X is oxygen and m is 1 are found in US 3,186,946, 4,170,560, 4,231,883, 4,409,000
and 3,711,406.
[0051] The amine compounds may be used as such. However, they may also be used in the form
of an adduct or reaction product with a boron compound, such as a boric oxide, a boron
halide, a metaborate, boric acid, or a mono-, di-, and trialkyl borate. Such adducts
or derivatives may be illustrated, for example, by the following structural formula:

where R, R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4, X, m, and n are the same as previously defined and where R
10 is either hydrogen or an alkyl radical.
[0052] Yet another type of amine that may be used is the reaction product of a polyamine
and a carboxylic acid or anhydride. These compounds are described in co-pending US
Ser. No. 031,937 (filed Mar. 15,1993). Briefly, the polyamine reactant contains from
2 to 60 total carbon atoms and from 3 to 15 nitrogen atoms with at least one of the
nitrogen atoms present in the form of a primary amine group and at least two of the
remaining nitrogen atoms present in the form of primary or secondary amine groups.
Non-limiting examples of suitable amine compounds include: Polyethylene amines such
as diethylene triamine; triethylene tetramine; tetraethylene pentamine; polypropylene
amines such as di(1,2-propylene)triamine, di(1,3-propylene) triamine, and mixtures
thereof. Additional suitable amines include polyoxyalkylene polyamines such as polyoxypropylene
triamines and polyoxyethylene triamines.
[0053] The carboxylic acid or anhydride reactant of the above reaction product is characterized
by any of the four formulae shown below:

where R" is a straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbyl
radical containing from 9 to 29 carbon atoms, preferably from 11 to 23. When R" is
a branched chain group, no more than 25% of the carbon atoms are in side chain or
pendent groups. R" is preferably straight chained. The R" group includes predominantly
hydrocarbyl groups as well as pure hydrocarbyl groups. A group is "predominantly hydrocarbyl'
if it contains non-hydrocarbyl substituents or non-carbcn atoms that do not significantly
affect the hydrocarbyl characteristics or properties of the group. For example, a
purely hydrocarbyl C
20 alkyl group and a C
20 alkyl group substituted with a methoxy substituent are substantially similar in their
properties and would be considered hydrocarbyl within the context of this disclosure.
Non-limiting examples of substituents that do not significantly alter the hydrocarbyl
characteristics or properties of the general nature of the hydrocarbyl groups of the
carboxylic acid or anhydride are: ether groups (especially hydrocarbyloxy such as
phenoxy, benzyloxy, methoxy, etc., particularly alkoxy groups of up to ten carbon
atoms); oxo groups (e.g., -O- linkages in the main carbon chain); ester groups; sulfonyl
groups; and sulfinyl groups.
[0054] These types of amines can be formed by reacting, at a temperature from about 120
to 250°C, at least one polyamine and one carboxylic acid or anhydride in proportions
of about 2 to 10 molar equivalents of carboxylic acid or anhydride per mole of amine
reactant.
C. METAL SALT OF AN OIL SOLUBLE ACID
[0055] This lubricant includes a metal salt of an oil soluble acid having a TBN in excess
of 100. The lubricant also requires at least 500 ppm (mass) magnesium. The metal salt
of an oil soluble acid provides at least 40 % of the total TBN of the composition.
Conveniently the metal salt of an oil soluble acid having a TBN in excess of 100 is
a metal salt of an oil soluble sulfonic acid. Most conveniently, a magnesium sulfonate
having a TBN in excess of 100 is both the metal salt of an oil soluble acid and the
additive providing at least 500 ppm (mass) magnesium.
[0056] Magnesium sutfonates having a TBN of greater than 100 are usually produced by heating
a mixture of an oil-soluble sulfonate or alkaryl sulfonic acid, with an amount of
a magnesium compound in excess of the amount required to completely neutralize of
any sulfonic acid present and thereafter forming a dispersed carbonate complex by
reacting the excess metal with carbon dioxide. The sulfonic acids are typically obtained
by the sulfonation of alkyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons such as those obtained
from the fractionation of petroleum or by the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Examples include those obtained by alkylating benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene,
diphenyl or their halogen derivatives such as chlorobenzene, chlorotoluene and chloronaphthalene.
The alkylation may be carried out in the presence of a catalyst with alkylating agents
having from about 3 to more than 30 carbon atoms. For example haloparaffins, olefins
obtained by dehydrogenation of paraffins, or polyolefins produced from ethylene or
propylene are all suitable. The alkaryl sutfonates usually contain from about 9 to
about 70 or more carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 50 carbon atoms per
alkyl substituted aromatic moiety.
[0057] The oil soluble sulfonates or alkaryl sulfonic acids may be neutralized with magnesium
oxides, hydroxides, alkoxides, carbonates, carboxylate, sulfides, hydrosulfides, nitrates,
borates and ethers. The amount of magnesium compound is chosen having regard to the
desired TBN of the final product but typically ranges from about 100 to 220 wt % (preferably
at least 125 wt %).
[0058] Various preparations of overbased magnesium alkaryl sulfonates are known, such as
EP 312313, 13807, 13808, 15341, 312315, WO 92/20694.
[0059] A preferred overbased magnesium sulfonate additive is magnesium alkyl aromatic sulfonate
having a TBN ranging from about 300 to about 440 with the magnesium sulfonate content
ranging from about 25 to about 32 wt %, based upon the total weight of the additive
system dispersed in mineral lubricating oil. The metal ratio of this preferred material
is greater than 10 and typically about 15.
[0060] Other detergents that may be used in combination with the overbased magnesium salts
of sulfonic acids described above include oil-soluble neutral and overbased sulfonates
(other than overbased magnesium sulfonates), phenates, sulfurized phenates, thiophosphonates,
salicylates, and naphthenates and other oil-soluble carboxylates of a metal, particularly
the alkali or alkaline earth metals, e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, and
magnesium. The most commonly used metals are calcium and magnesium, mixtures of calcium
and magnesium, and mixtures of calcium, magnesium or both with sodium. Overbased detergents
function both as detergents and acid neutralizers, thereby reducing wear and corrosion
and extending engine life. Convenient metal detergents are the neutral and basic calcium
sulfonates, neutral and basic calcium phenates and sulfurized phenates, and neutral
magnesium sulfonates.
D. METAL DIHYDROCARBYL DITHIOPHOSPHATES
[0061] Dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate metal salts are frequently used as anti-wear and antioxidant
agents. The metal may be an alkali or alkaline earth metal, or aluminum, lead, tin,
molybdenum, manganese, nickel or copper. The zinc salts are most commonly used in
lubricating oil in amounts of 0.1 to 10, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt. %, based upon the
total weight of the lubricating oil composition. They may be prepared in accordance
with known techniques by first forming a dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphoric acid (DDPA),
usually by reaction of one or more alcohol or a phenol with P
2S
5 and then neutralizing the formed DDPA with a zinc compound. The zinc dihydrocarbyl
dithiophosphates can be made from mixed DDPA which in turn may be made from mixed
alcohols. Alternatively, multiple zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates can be made
and subsequently mixed.
[0062] Thus the dithiophosphoric acid containing secondary hydrocarbyl groups used in this
invention may be made by reacting mixtures of primary and secondary alcohols. Alternatively,
multiple dithiophosphoric acids can be prepared where the hydrocarbyl groups on one
are entirely secondary in character and the hydrocarbyl groups on the others are entirely
primary in character. To make the zinc salt any basic or neutral zinc compound could
be used but the oxides, hydroxides and carbonates are most generally employed. Commercial
additives frequently contain an excess of zinc due to use of an excess of the basic
zinc compound in the neutralization reaction.
[0063] The preferred zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates useful in the present invention
are oil soluble salts of dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphoric acids and may be represented
by the following formula:

wherein R and R' may be the same or different hydrocarbyl radicals containing from
1 to 18, preferably 2 to 12, carbon atoms and including radicals such as alkyl, alkenyl,
aryl, arylalky), alkaryl and cycloaliphatic radicals. Particularly preferred as R
and R' groups are alkyl groups of 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Thus, the radicals may, for
example, be ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl, amyl, n-hexyl,
i-hexyl, n-octyl, decyl, dodecyl, octadecyl, 2-ethylhexyl, phenyl, butylphenyl, cyclohexyl,
methylcyclopentyl, propenyl, butenyl. In order to obtain oil solubility, the total
number of carbon atoms (i.e. R and R') in the dithiophosphoric acid will generally
be about 5 or greater. The zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate can therefore comprise
zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates. At least 50 (mole) % of the alcohols used to introduce
hydrocarbyl groups into the dithiophosphoric acids are secondary alcohols. Greater
percentages of secondary alcohols are preferred, and in particularly high nitrogen
systems may be required. Thus the alcohols used to introduce the hydrocarbyl groups
may be 60 or 75 mole per cent secondary. Most preferably the hydrocarbyl groups are
more than 90 mole percent secondary.
E. Other Components
[0064] Additional additives are typically incorporated into the compositions of the present
invention. Examples of such additives are supplemental dispersants, antioxidants,
anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, rust inhibitors anti-foaming agents, demulsifiers,
and pour point depressants.
[0065] Supplemental dispersants, i.e. dispersants that do not contain nitrogen may be used.
These nitrogen free dispersants may be esters made by reacting any of the functionalized
oil soluble polymeric hydrocarbon backbones described above with hydroxy compounds
such as monohydric and polyhydric alcohols or with aromatic compounds such as phenols
and naphthols. The polyhydric alcohols are preferred, e.g. ethylene glycol, diethylene
glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and other alkylene
glycols in which the alkylene radical contains from 2 to about 8 carbon atoms. Other
useful polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, mono-oleate of glycerol, monostearate
of glycerol, monomethyl ether of glycerol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, and
mixtures thereof.
[0066] The ester dispersant may also be derived from unsaturated alcohols such as allyl
alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, propargyl alcohol, 1-cyclohexene-3-ol, and oleyl alcohol.
Still other classes of the alcohols capable of yielding nitrogen free ashless dispersants
comprise the ether-alcohols and including, for example, the oxy-alkylene, oxy-arylene-.
They are exemplified by ether-alcohols having up to about 150 oxy-alkylene radicals
in which the alkylene radical contains from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms.
[0067] The ester dispersant may be di-esters of succinic acids or acidic esters, i.e., partially
esterified succinic acids; as well as partially esterified polyhydric alcohols or
phenols, i.e., esters having free alcohols or phenolic hydroxyl radicals.
[0068] The ester dispersant may be prepared by one of several known methods as illustrated
for example in US 3,381,022. The ester dispersants may also be borated, similar to
the nitrogen containing dispersants, as described above.
[0069] Oxidation inhibitors reduce the tendency of mineral oils to deteriorate in service
which deterioration can be evidenced by the products of oxidation such as sludge and
varnish-like deposits on the metal surfaces and by viscosity growth. Such oxidation
inhibitors include hindered phenols, alkaline earth metal salts of alkylphenolthioesters
having preferably C
5 to C
12 alkyl side chains, calcium nonylphenol sulfide, ashless oil soluble phenates and
sulfurized phenates, phosphosulfurized or sulfurized hydrocarbons, phosphorous esters,
metal thiocarbamates, oil soluble copper compounds as described in US 4,867,890, and
molybdenum containing compounds. Examples of molybdenum compounds include molybdenum
salts of inorganic and organic acids (see, for example, US 4,705,641), particularly
molybdenum salts of monocarboxylic acids having from 1 to 50, preferably 8 to 18,
carbon atoms, for example, molybdenum octoate (2-ethyl hexanoate), naphthenate or
stearate; overbased molybdenum-containing complexes as disclosed in EP 404 650A; molybdenum
dithiocarbamates and molybdenum dithiophosphates; oil-soluble molybdenum xanthates
and thioxanthates as disclosed in US 4,995,996 and 4,966,719; and oil-soluble molybdenum-
and sulfur-containing complexes.
[0070] In one aspect of the invention the lubricant includes at least 0.0008 mole % hindered
phenol antioxidant. Generally hindered phenols are oil soluble phenols substituted
at one or both ortho positions. Suitable compounds include monohydric and mononuclear
phenols such as 2,6-di-tertiary alkylphenols (e.g. 2,6 di-t-butylphenol, 2,4,6 tri-t-butyl
phenol, 2-t-butyl phenol, 4-alkyl, 2,6, t-butyl phenol, 2,6 di-isopropylphenol, and
2,6 dimethyl, 4 t-butyl phenol). Other suitable hindered phenols include polyhydric
and polynuclear phenols such as alkylene bridged hindered phenols (4,4 methylenebis(6
tert butyl-o-cresol), 4,4'-methylenebis(2-tert-amyl-o-cresol), and 2,2'-methylenebis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol)).
The hindered phenol may be borated or sulfurized. Preferred hindered phenols have
good oil solubility and relatively low volatility.
[0071] Friction modifiers may be included to improve fuel economy. In addition to the oil
soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl, or arylalkyl amines described above to add nitrogenous
TBN, other friction modifiers are known, Among these are esters formed by reacting
carboxylic acids and anhydrides with alkanols. Other conventional friction modifiers
generally consist of a polar terminal group (e.g. carboxyl or hydroxyl) covalently
bonded to an oleophillic hydrocarbon chain. Esters of carboxylic acids and anhydrides
with alkanols are described in US 4,702,850. Examples of other conventional friction
modifiers are described by M. Belzer in the "Journal of Tribology" (1992), Vol. 114,
pp. 675-682 and M. Belzer and S. Jahanmir in "Lubrication Science" (1988), Vol. 1,
pp. 3-26.
[0072] Rust inhibitors selected from the group consisting of nonionic polyoxyalkylene polyols
and esters thereof, polyoxyalkylene phenols, and anionic alkyl sulfonic acids may
be used. When the formulation of the present invention is used, these anti-rust inhibitors
are not generally required.
[0073] Copper and lead bearing corrosion inhibitors may be used, but are typically not required
with the formulation of the present invention. Typically such compounds are the thiadiazole
polysulfides containing from 5 to 50 carbon atoms, their derivatives and polymers
thereof. Derivatives of 1,3,4 thiadiazoles such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,719,125; 2,719,126; and 3,087,932; are typical. Other similar materials are described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,821,236: 3,904,537; 4,097,387; 4,107,059: 4,136,043; 4,188,299;
and 4,193,882. Other additives are the thio and polythio sulfenamides of thiadiazoles
such as those described in UK. Patent Specification No. 1,560,830. Benzotriazoles
derivatives also fall within this class of additives. When these compounds are included
in the lubricating composition, they are preferably present in an amount not exceeding
0.2 wt % active ingredient.
[0074] A small amount of a demulsifying component may be used. A preferred demulsifying
component is described in EP 330,522. It is obtained by reacting an alkylene oxide
with an adduct obtained by reacting a bis-epoxide with a polyhydric alcohol. The demulsifier
should be used at a level not exceeding 0.1 mass % active ingredient. A treat rate
of 0.001 to 0.05 mass % active ingredient is convenient.
[0075] Pour point depressants, otherwise known as lube oil flow improvers, lower the minimum
temperature at which the fluid will flow or can be poured. Such additives are well
known. Typical of those additives which improve the low temperature fluidity of the
fluid are C
8 to C
18 dialkyl fumarate/vinyl acetate copolymers and polyalkylmethacrylates.
[0076] Foam control can be provided by many compounds including an antifoamant of the polysiloxane
type, for example, silicone oil or polydimethyl siloxane.
[0077] Some of the above-mentioned additives can provide a multiplicity of effects; thus
for example, a single additive may act as a dispersant-oxidation inhibitor. This approach
is well known and does not require further elaboration.
F. ADDITIVES THAT MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT SOME PERFORMANCE ASPECTS OF THE LUBRICANT
[0078] Several well known classes of additives are frequently used in universal crankcase
lubricants. Aromatic amines having at least two aromatic groups attached directly
to the nitrogen are often used for their antioxidant properties. While these materials
may be used in small amounts, preferred embodiments of the present invention are free
of these compounds. These aromatic amines have been found to adversely affect soot
induced viscosity increases. They are preferably used in only small amounts, or more
preferably avoided altogether other than such amount as may result as an impurity
from another component of the composition.
[0079] Typical oil soluble aromatic amines having at least two aromatic groups attached
directly to one amine nitrogen contain from 6 to 16 carbon atoms. The amines may contain
more than two aromatic groups. Compounds having a total of at least three aromatic
groups in which two aromatic groups are linked by a covalent bond or by an atom or
group (e.g., an oxygen or sulfur atom, or a -CO-, -SO
2- or alkylene group) and two are directly attached to one amine nitrogen also considered
aromatic amines having at least two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen.
The aromatic rings are typically substituted by one or more substituents selected
from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyl, acylamino, hydroxy, and nitro groups.
These compounds should be minimized or avoided altogether because they have been found
to dramatically influence soot related viscosity increase in the Mack T-8. The amount
of any such oil soluble aromatic amines having at least two aromatic groups attached
directly to one amine nitrogen does not exceed 0.2 wt % active ingredient.
G. Blends
[0080] When lubricating compositions contain one or more of the above-mentioned additives,
each additive is typically blended into the base oil in an amount which enables the
additive to provide its desired function. Representative effective amounts of such
additives, when used in crankcase lubricants, are listed below. All the values listed
are stated as mass percent active ingredient.
| ADDITIVE |
MASS % (Broad) |
MASS % (Preferred) |
| Nitrogen containing Ashless Dispersant1 |
1 - 8 |
2 - 7 |
| Overbased Magnesium Sutfonates |
0.2 - 1 |
0.3 - 0.8 |
| Supplemental Metal detergents |
0.2 - 1.5 |
0.35 - 1 |
| Corrosion Inhibitor |
0 - 0.2 |
0 - 0.1 |
| Metal dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate |
0.5 - 1.5 |
0.8 - 1.3 |
| Supplemental anti-oxidant |
0 -2 |
0.1 - 1 |
| Pour Point Depressant |
0.01 - 1 |
0.1-0.3 |
| Anti-Foaming Agent |
0.0005-0.005 |
0.001-0.004 |
| Supplemental Anti-wear Agents |
0 - 0.5 |
0 - 0.2 |
| Friction Modifier |
0 - 1 |
0 - 0.5 |
| Viscosity Modifier2 |
0.01 - 4 |
0 - 2 |
| Mineral or Synthetic Base Oil |
Balance |
Balance |
| 1. In multi-graded oils that have dispersant viscosity modfiers, the nitrogen containing
ashless dispersant can be used at a much lower treat rate. In this case the dispersant
viscosity modifier serves as an additional nitrogenous TBN source. At least one group
of investigators (US 5.294.354 to Papke et al.) has reported a formulation with a
particular dispersant viscosity modifier where the treat rate of a conventional ashless
dispersant is zero. In that case the dispersant viscosity modifier serves as the nitrogenous
source of TBN. |
| 2. Viscosity modifiers are used only in multi-graded oils. |
[0081] The amount of ashless dispersant is determined in part by the TBN requirement of
the present invention and also by requirements to achieve desired dispersaney without
unnecessarily increasing the cost of the finished lubricant or introducing performance
debits in one or more of the many areas associated with approval of a test fluid.
A useful formulation must balance many properties including dispersancy, detergency,
antioxidancy, and wear protection. In many instances adding or increasing the level
of an additive to improve one of these properties may also impair one or more of the
other properties. In this sense the formulator's challenge is to define a zone of
operability for each of the parameters while maintaining an acceptable cost.
[0082] Controlling TBN contribution from nitrogen containing species has been discovered
to influence soot related viscosity increase. A variety of formulation techniques
can be used to achieve a contribution to the total TBN of the finished oil of at least
1.5 from nitrogenous sources of TBN, (i.e. nitrogen containing ashless dispersant,
nitrogen containing viscosity modifiers, and any oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl or
arylalkyl amine present) without substantially increasing the amount of polymer. The
TBN of a conventional dispersant can be increased by adjusting the type (amine content,
branching, and size) and amount of amine used to aminate the functionalized polymer
backbone. Alternatively, the polymer backbone can be functionalized with more functional
groups. Conveniently, a conventional high molecular weight dispersant can be blended
with a conventional lower molecular weight dispersant to boost the total amount of
TBN present relative to dispersant polymer backbone.
[0083] When determining the amount and type of nitrogen to be present in the ashless dispersant,
consideration should be given to other nitrogen containing sources of TBN in the lubricant.
For example, dispersant viscosity modifiers are often derivatized with nitrogen. The
contribution of any nitrogenous dispersant viscosity modifiers to the TBN of the lubricant
is included when calculating the TBN provided by nitrogenous sources of TBN.
[0084] Another nitrogenous TBN source that can increase significantly the TBN contributed
by nitrogen containing species are the oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl or arylalkyl
amines. Relatively small amounts of these compounds can shift the TBN of the lubricant
significantly without otherwise impacting the performance of the dispersants. Surprisingly,
this shift in TBN controls soot related viscosity increase.
[0085] The total amount of TBN provided by nitrogen containing ashless dispersants, nitrogen
containing viscosity modifiers, and oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl or arylalkyl amines
should be at least 1.5. Conveniently the TBN provided by the nitrogenous additives
is 1.5 to 2.8. Preferably their TBN contribution does not exceed 2.2.
[0086] Controlling the amount of TBN contributed by ash containing salts of oil soluble
acids is another aspect of the invention. Conveniently overbased magnesium sutfonate
is used to contribute at least 40 % and preferably 60 % of the total TBN of the lubricant.
The lubricant should also have at least 500 ppm (mass) of magnesium (contributed either
by overbased magnesium sulfonate or by another magnesium detergent). These levels
of magnesium give excellent performance in the Seq. IID (ASTM STP 315h part 1).
[0087] Use of a metal hydrocarbyl dithiophosphate that is secondary in character is also
significant. At least 50 mole % of the alcohols used to introduce hydrocarbyl groups
into the dithiophosphoric acids that are subsequently converted to the metal salt
should be secondary. Greater percentages of secondary alcohols are preferred, and
in particularly high nitrogen systems may be required. Thus the alcohols used to introduce
the hydrocarbyl groups may be 60 or 75 mole per cent secondary. Most preferably the
hydrocarbyl groups are more than 90 mole percent secondary. Metal dithiophosphates
that are secondary in character give better wear control in tests such as the Sequence
VE (ASTM D5302) and the GM 6.2L tests. The high levels of nitrogenous TBN required
by the present invention to control soot related viscosity increase adversely impacts
wear and corrosion performance. This deleterious affect of the high TBN from nitrogenous
components is offset by using high levels of metal dithiophosphates that are secondary
in character and by using boron to control bearing corrosion.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the lubricant is free of aromatic amines having at least
two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen. These aromatic amines, especially
alkylated diphenyl amines, have been found to adversely impact soot related viscosity
increase. Formulating the lubricant without these compounds that heretofore have been
widely used for their excellent antioxidancy properties permits setting the level
of TBN contributed by nitrogenous components closer to the 1.5 minimum thereby minimizing
the deleterious effects associated with excessive nitrogen. The lubricant has less
than 0.2 wt % active ingredient of these aromatic amines having at least two aromatic
groups attached directly to the nitrogen.
[0089] Particularly good control of oil thickening is obtained when the formulation of the
present invention both is free of alkyl substituted diphenyl amines and includes a
hindered phenol. The TBN from nitrogenous sources controls soot related oil thickening
while the metal dithiophosphate and hindered phenol control thermal oxidative oil
thickening. Surprisingly a diphenyl amine aggravates soot induced thickening while
a hindered phenol (including alkylene bridged bis phenols) does not aggravate soot
induced thickening.
[0090] The invention requires one or more boron containing additives whereby the lubricant
contains at least 100 parts per million (ppm mass) of boron. Conveniently the lubricant
contains 180 ppm (mass) boron. Boron helps control corrosion of bearings made from
copper and lead. The high levels of nitrogen and magnesium required by the present
invention can adversely impact corrosion of these copper/lead bearings. The mass ratio
of boron-to-nitrogen is greater than 0.1. Persons skilled in the art of formulating
are familiar with various ways to introduce boron. For example, the dispersant or
the oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl, or arylalkyl amines can be borated as described
above, Alternatively, oil soluble polyols can be borated as described in US 4,629,576
to Small and 4,495,088 to Liston.
[0091] Still another embodiment requires one or more phosphorus containing additives so
that the lubricant contains at least 1000 ppm (mass) of phosphorous. Conveniently,
the lubricant contains 1100 ppm (mass) phosphorous. The phosphorous may be present
in the metal dithiophosphate. Alternatively, phosphorous can be introduced by using
phosphorous containing antioxidants or antiwear components or by phosphorylating the
dispersant. These high levels of phosphorous help control corrosion in the CRC L-38.
Conveniently, the phosphorous level should not exceed 1500 ppm (mass). Preferably
the phosphorous level should not exceed 1200 ppm (mass).
[0092] The components may be incorporated into a base oil in any convenient way. Thus, each
of the components can be added directly to the oil by dispersing or dissolving it
in the oil at the desired level of concentration. Such blending may occur at ambient
temperature or at an elevated temperature.
[0093] Preferably all the additives except for the viscosity modifier and the pour point
depressant are blended into a concentrate that is subsequently blended into basestock
to make finished lubricant. Use of such concentrates is conventional. The concentrate
will typically be formulated to contain the additive(s) in properamounts to provide
the desired concentration in the final formulation when the concentrate is combined
with a predetermined amount of base lubricant.
[0094] Preferably the concentrate is made in accordance with the method described in US
4,938,880. That patent describes making a premix of ashless dispersant and metal detergents
that is pre-blended at a temperature of at least about 100°C. Thereafter the pre-mix
is cooled to at least 85°C and the additional components are added. Such a concentrate
advantageously comprises
| ADDITIVE |
MASS % (Broad) |
MASS % (Preferred) |
| Nitrogen containing Ashless Dispersant(s)1 |
20 -40 |
30 |
| Overbased Magnesium Sutfonates |
2 - 6 |
6 |
| Supplemental Metal detergents |
0 - 6 |
6 |
| Corrosion Inhibitor |
0-0.02 |
0 |
| Metal dithiophosphate |
6 - 10 |
8 |
| Supplemental anti-oxidant |
0 - 6 |
6 |
| Anti-Foaming Agent |
0.005-0.02 |
0.011 |
| Supplemental Anti-wear Agents |
0 - 4 |
0 |
| Friction Modifier |
0 - 4 |
0 |
| 1. In multi-graded oils that have dispersam viscosity modifiers, the nitrogen containing
ashless dispersant can be used at a much lower treat rate. In this case the dispersant
vicosity modifier serves as an additional nitrogenous TBN source. At least one group
of investigators (US 5,294,354 to Papke et al.) has reported a formulation with a
particular dispersant viscosity modifier where the treat rate of a conventional ashless
dispersant is zero. In that case the dispersant viscosity modifier serves as the nitrogenous
source of TBN. |
[0095] The final formulations may employ from 2 to 15 mass % and preferably 5 to 10 mass
%, typically about 7 to 8 mass % of the additive package(s) with the remainder being
base oil. A preferred concentrate from which the lubricants of the invention may be
prepared has A) a nitrogenous TBN source of selected from the group consisting of
ashless nitrogen containing dispersants, oil soluble aliphatic, oxyalkyl, or arylalkyl
amines and mixtures thereof; B) a metal salt of an oil soluble acid having a TBN in
excess of 100; C) a magnesium salt at level providing at least 3100 ppm (mass) magnesium,
and D) at least one metal dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate. The nitrogenous TBN source
provides at least about 10 TBN to the concentrate; the metal salt of an oil soluble
acid provides at least about 40 % of the total TBN of the concentrate and at least
50 mole per cent of the hydrocarbyl groups on the metal dithiophosphate are secondary.
[0096] The invention is further described by way of illustration only by reference to the
following examples, some of which are presented for comparative purposes. In the examples,
unless otherwise noted, all treat rates of all additives are reported as mass percent
active ingredient.
Example 1
[0097] To a basestock of lubricating viscosity the following components were added to make
a 30 grade crankcase lubricant: borated polyisobutenyl-succinimide dispersant (PIB
n = 2250, PIBSA:Amine = 1.5:1, borated), magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent
inhibitor (400 TBN), supplemental metal salts of oil soluble organic acids detergent
inhibitors, antioxidants, zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate, amine friction modifier,
antifoamant, demulsifier, and pour point depressant. The same additives plus an olefin
copolymer viscosity modifier were blended to make an SAE 15W-40 multi-graded crankcase
lubricant. Both finished lubricants had:
| Boron |
200 ppm |
| Magnesium |
1120 ppm |
| Phosphorous |
1120 ppm |
| TBN |
7.95 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous sources |
1.8 |
| TBN from magnesium sulfonate |
4.9 |
| % TBN from magnesium sulfonate |
61.6 |
| Mole % secondary hydrocarbyl groups in ZDDP |
90.9 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) |
0.2 |
[0098] Both lubricants were tested yielding the results shown in Table I. The lubricants
provide excellent rust protection, soot handling control, diesel deposit control,
bearing corrosion protection, and wear protection, while maintaining performance needs
in other key areas such as oxidation control (Seq. IIIE), and protection from sludge
and varnish in gasoline engines (Seq. VE).
TABLE I
| SAE Viscosity Grade |
LIMITS1 |
15W-40 |
SAE 30 |
| CRC L-38 (ASTM D5119)2 |
|
|
|
| Bearing weight loss |
40 max |
31.3 |
|
| Seq. IID (ASTM STP 315h part 1)2 |
|
|
|
| Average rust merits |
8.5 min |
8.91 |
|
| Stuck lifters |
0 max |
0 |
|
| Sequence IIIE (ASTM D553)2 |
| Viscosity increase at 64 hrs, %3 |
375 max |
59 |
|
| Hrs to 375 % viscosity increase |
64 min |
74.0 |
|
| Average engine sludge |
9.2 min |
9.57 |
|
| Piston skirt varnish |
8.9 min |
9.35 |
|
| Oil ring land deposits |
3.5 min |
7.14 |
|
| Cam + lifter wear µg - Avg |
30 max |
5.7 |
|
| µg - Max |
64 max |
8.0 |
|
| Oil consumption. liters |
5.1 max |
2.58 |
|
| Stuck rings |
0 max |
0 |
|
| Seq. VE (ASTM D5302)2 |
| Average sludge |
9.0 min |
9.27 |
|
| Rocker arm cover sludge |
7.5 min |
9.09 |
|
| Average varnish |
5.0 min |
6.45 |
|
| Piston skirt varnish |
6.5 min |
7.37 |
|
| Oil screen sludge, % |
20 max |
1 |
|
| Cam wear mils - Avg |
5.0 max |
1.28 |
|
| mils - max |
15.0 max |
1.3 |
|
| Hot stuck rings |
0 max |
0 |
|
| Mack T-84 |
| Viscosity increase at 3.8 soot, wt % |
11.5 max |
5.2 |
7.6 |
| Filter pressure increase, psi |
20 max |
10.8 |
16.5 |
| Oil consumption g/Kw-h |
0.304 max |
0.16 |
0.21 |
| Caterpillar 1N4 |
| Top groove fill, % |
20 max |
8 |
12 |
| Weighted demerits |
286.2 max |
264.7 |
224.9 |
| Top land heavy carbon |
3 max |
0 |
0 |
| Oil consumption, g/Kw-h |
0.5 max |
0.18 |
0.26 |
| GM 6.2L4 |
| Roller pin wear, mils |
0.45 max |
0.23 |
0.08 |
| Caterpillar 1K5 |
| Top groove fill |
24 max |
9 |
|
| Weighted demerits |
332 max |
237.8 |
|
| Top land heavy carbon |
4 max |
0 |
|
| Oil consumption, |
0.5 max |
0.19 |
|
| Mack T-65 |
| Merit rating |
90 min |
135.5 |
105.5 |
| Mack T-75 |
| Visc. Increase Rate,% (100hr - 150hr) |
0.04 max |
|
0.015 |
| 1. One test limit; two and three test limits also exist. |
| 2. API SH limits. |
| 3. The API CG-4 limit is maximum 67.5 hours to a 375 % viscosity increase. |
| 4. API CG-4 limits |
| 5. API CF-4 limits |
Example 2:
[0099] To test the effect of varying TBN contribution from nitrogenous sources a crankcase
lubricant was blended by adding to a basestock the following components: borated polyisobutenyl-succinimide
dispersant, magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), supplemental
metal salts of oil soluble organic acids detergent inhibitors, antifoamant, demulsifier,
olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point depressant. To that reference lubricant
various additional sources of nitrogenous TBN and zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates
as detailed in Table II were added. Mack T-8 tests were run on each lubricant.
TABLE II
| Example |
2A |
2B |
2C |
2D |
| ZDDP (100 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups) |
1.22 |
1.22 |
|
1.22 |
| ZDDP (92 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups) |
- |
- |
1.05 |
- |
| Amine friction modifier |
- |
0.6 |
- |
- |
| Reaction adduct of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride and |
- |
- |
1.1 |
- |
| dimethylaminopropylamine |
|
|
|
|
| Polyisobutenyl-succinimide (unborated) |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
| Boron, ppm. |
180 |
180 |
180 |
180 |
| Magnesium, ppm |
920 |
920 |
920 |
920 |
| Phosphorous, ppm |
1120 |
1120 |
1120 |
1120 |
| Total TBN, mg KOH |
6.26 |
7.16 |
7.3 |
8.1 |
| TBN from Nitrogenous components, mg KOH |
1.44 |
2.34 |
2.46 |
3.28 |
| % TBN from Magnesium sulfonate, mg KOH |
70.2 |
61 |
34 |
40.5 |
| Mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups in ZDDP |
100 |
100 |
90.9 |
100 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) |
0.2 |
0.16 |
0.16 |
0.11 |
| |
| Mack T-8 test results |
| Viscosity increase at 3.8wt % soot, cSt (11.5 max) |
17.3 |
9.4 |
11 |
7.2 |
| Filter pressure Delta P, psi (20 max) |
130 |
8.0 |
9.0 |
7.4 |
| Soot at EOT, mass % |
3.8 |
3.9 |
4.2 |
4.6 |
Example 3
[0100] Alkylated diphenyl amines have been found to increase the soot induced viscosity
increase experienced by a test fluid in the Mack T-8. The lubricant should contain
aromatic amines having two aromatic groups attached directly to an amine nitrogen
only at very low amounts (i.e. at a treat rate not exceeding 0.2 wt % active ingredient)
and preferably not at all. To demonstrate this effect two crankcase lubricants were
blended by adding to a basestock the following components: borated polyisobutenylsuccinimide
dispersant, magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), a supplemental
metal salt of oil soluble organic acid detergent inhibitor, zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate,
antifoamant, demulsifier, olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point depressant.
The two oils, which differed only in that one contained mixed nonyl diphenyl amines,
were tested in the Mack T-8. The amounts of alkylated diphenyl amine and test results
are shown in Table III:
TABLE III
| Example |
3A |
3B |
| Mixed nonyl diphenyl amine |
0 |
0.4 |
| Mack T-8 |
| Viscosity increase at 3.8 wt % soot |
11 |
39.2 |
| Filter pressure drop, psi |
13.5 |
12 |
| End of test soot. wt % |
5.8 |
4.1 |
Example 4
[0101] Nitrogen functionalized high molecular weight viscosity index improvers are also
able to reduce the soot induced viscosity increases as shown by the following tests
run on a lubricant naving borated polyisobutenyl-succinimide dispersant, magnesium
petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), a supplemental metal salt
of oil soluble organic acid detergent inhibitor, two zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates,
mixed nonyl diphenyl amine, a thiodiazole corrosion inhibitor, antioxidant, antifoamant,
demulsifier and pour point depressant. In one lubricant the viscosity modifier was
a conventional olefin copolymer viscosity modifier with a small amount of nitrogen
functionalized polymethylmethacrylate; in the other the only viscosity modifier was
the nitrogen functionalized polymethylmethacrylate. As can be seen from the Mack T-8
results shown in Table IV the dispersant viscosity modifier reduced the soot induced
viscosity increase.
TABLE IV
| Example |
4A |
4B |
| Additive package A |
12.25 |
12.25 |
| Ethylene copolymer |
0.42 |
--- |
| N functionalized PMA |
0.1 |
0.8 |
| Total TBN mg KOH |
8.8 |
8.9 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous sources* |
1.2 |
1.3 |
| |
| Mack T-8 Results |
| Viscosity Increase at 3.8 wt % soot |
40 |
23 |
| Filter pressure Delta P at 200hr, psi |
11.5 |
9 |
| Soot at 200 hours, wt % |
3.8 |
4.5 |
| * The TBN content of any diphenylamine present is excluded. |
Example 5
[0102] A minimum level of a magnesium which may be provided by an overbased magnesium sulfonate
is required. Two crankcase lubricants were blended by adding to a basestock a borated
polyisobutenyl-succinimide dispersant, magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent
inhibitor (400 TBN), supplemental metal salts of oil soluble organic acids detergent
inhibitors, antioxidant, zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate ZDDP (90.9 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl
groups), antifoamant, demulsifier, olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point
depressant. The two lubricants which differed from each other only in the amount of
overbased magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN) they contained,
were tested in the Seq. IID (ASTM STP 315h part 1). Particulars of the formulations
and test results are shown in Table V.
TABLE V
| Example |
5A |
5B |
| Magnesium sulfonate (400 TBN) |
0.43 |
0.26 |
| Boron, ppm (mass) |
190 |
190 |
| Magnesium, ppm (mass) |
690 |
420 |
| Phosphorus, ppm (mass) |
1120 |
1120 |
| Zinc, ppm (mass) |
1230 |
1230 |
| Total TBN |
6.53 |
5.3 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous components |
1.55 |
1.55 |
| TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
3 |
1.8 |
| % TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
46 |
34 |
| Boron to nitrogen mass ratio |
0.22 |
0.22 |
| |
| Average Rust (Pass = 8.5 min)1 |
8.63 |
6.67 |
Example 6
[0103] Boron controls the attack of nitrogen on bearings made from copper and lead. It is
particularly necessary in systems with high levels of nitrogenous TBN. Two 5W-30 crankcase
lubricants were blended by adding to a basestock a polyisobutenyl-succinimide dispersant,
magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), supplemental metal
salts of oil soluble organic acids detergent inhibitors, antioxidants, zinc dihydrocarbyl
dithiophosphate (90.9 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups), antifoamant, demulsifier, friction
modifiers, olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point depressant. The two
lubricants which differed from each other only in that one had a borated dispersant
and the other had an unborated dispersant were tested in the CRC L-38 (ASTM D5119).
TABLE VI
| Example |
6A |
6B |
| Boron, ppm (mass) |
190 |
0 |
| Magnesium, ppm (mass) |
1190 |
1190 |
| Phosphorus, ppm (mass) |
1130 |
1130 |
| Total TBN |
8.07 |
8.07 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous sources1 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
| TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
5.2 |
5.2 |
| % TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
64.4 |
64.4 |
| Mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups in ZDDP |
90.9 |
90.9 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio)1 |
0.15 |
0 |
| CRC L-38 Bearing weight loss, mg (40 max)2 |
46.6 |
217.9 |
| 1. The TBN and nitrogen content of any diphenyl amine present are excluded from the
TBN-from nitrogenous sources and Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) respectively. |
| 2. API SH limit. |
Example 7
[0104] A further example shows the need to set a Boron-to-Nitrogen mass ratio of the final
formulation at or above 0.1. Two crankcase lubricants were blended by adding to a
basestock a mixture of polyisobutenyl-succinimide dispersants, magnesium petroleum
sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), supplemental metal salts of oil soluble
organic acids detergent inhibitors, antioxidants, zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate
(90.9 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups), antifoamant, demulsifier, friction modifiers,
olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point depressant. The two lubricants
which differed from each other only in the mixtures of dispersants used and the amount
of zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate were tested in the CRC L-38 (ASTM D5119). The
adjustments in the dispersant mixtures influenced the amount and
n of the polyisobutenyl substituent on the succinic group and the amounts of nitrogen
and boron. Details of the formulations and test results are shown in Table VII.
TABLE VII
| Example |
7A |
7B |
Polyisobutenylsuccinimide dispersant (PIB
 n = 2250, PIBSA:Amine = 1.5:1, borated) |
3.1 |
2.1 |
Polyisobutenylsuccinimide dispersant (PIB
 n = 950, PIBSA:Amine = 2.1:1, unborated) |
1.05 |
2.1 |
| ZDDP |
1.12 |
1.06 |
| Boron, ppm (mass) |
150 |
100 |
| Phosphorus, ppm (mass) |
1200 |
1120 |
| Zinc, ppm (mass) |
1320 |
1230 |
| Total TBN |
8.4 |
8.96 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous sources |
2.08 |
2.69 |
| TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
4.0 |
4.0 |
| % TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
47.6 |
44.6 |
| Mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups in ZDDP |
90.9 |
90.9 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) |
0.13 |
0.07 |
| |
| CRC-L38 Bearing weight loss (mg) (40 max)1 |
29.4 |
52.9 |
Example 8
[0105] The need to use a ZDDP or mixtures of ZDDPs having predominantly or exclusively secondary
hydrocarbyl groups is illustrated by the data below from an experimental cylinder
head rig. Three crankcase lubricants were prepared by adding to a basestock a polyisobutenyl-succinimide
dispersant, magnesium petroleum sulfonate metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), antioxidant,
one or two zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates, antifoamant, demulsifier, olefin copolymer
viscosity modifier and pour point depressant. The rig used is a cam and tappet rig
developed and supplied by the Motor Industries Research Association of Nuneaton, Warks
UK. It comprises a 30 mm circular cam of induction heated chilled cast iron running
on a 12.5 mm eccentric shaft against a EN 32b tappet which has a 2 m radius of curvature
on the contacting face. Load is applied via variable resistance springs. Lubrication
is by high pressure jet from a heated reservoir. Flow rate is adjusted to 150 ml/min.
Wear tests are carried out according to the following protocol. Speed 1500 rpm., duration,
30 min at 20 kgm applied load (running in time), followed by 60 min at 60 kgm applied
load. Lubricant performance is measured in terms of follower wear. This is determined
by the reduction in dimensions of a Vickers hardness indentation made in the center
of the follower prior to test. All test components are standard and supplied by the
original equipment manufacturer. Tests carried out on the experimental oils described
above were performed at an oil temperature of 65° C. These results are shown in Table
VIII. The three lubricants which differed in the mix of hydrocarbyl groups present
on the ZDDPs gave very different wear performance. The lubricants wherein the hydrocarbyl
groups present on the ZDDPs were exclusively or predominantly secondary gave superior
wear protection.
TABLE VIII
| Example |
8A |
8B |
8C |
| ZDDP (90.9 mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups) |
1.05 |
0.56 |
0 |
| ZDDP (100 mole % 1 ° hydrocarbyl) |
0 |
0.67 |
1.44 |
| Boron, ppm (mass) |
190 |
190 |
190 |
| Total TBN |
6.53 |
6.53 |
6.53 |
| TBN-from nitrogenous sources |
1.51 |
1.51 |
1.51 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) |
0.23 |
0.23 |
0.23 |
| % TBN from magnesium sulfonate |
61.2 |
61.2 |
61.2 |
| Mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups on ZDDP |
90.9 |
48.1 |
0 |
| |
| WEAR, mils |
4.3 |
6 |
6 |
Example 9
[0106] The use of a zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate containing predominantly secondary
hydrocarbyl groups is necessary to achieve satisfactory wear performance in the Seq.
VE (ASTM D5302). Systems containing high levels of nitrogen can impair the antiwear
protection of fluid. To demonstrate the value of using ZDDP containing predominantly
secondary hydrocarbyl groups, three crankcase lubricants were prepared by adding to
a basestock a polyisobutenylsuccinimide dispersant, magnesium petroleum sulfonate
metal detergent inhibitor (400 TBN), antioxidants, one or two zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphates,
antifoamant, demulsifier, olefin copolymer viscosity modifier and pour point depressant.
The three lubricants which differed in the amount of TBN from nitrogenous components
(one had an amine friction modifier) and the mole percent of secondary hydrocarbyl
groups on the ZDDP were tested in the Seq. VE.
TABLE IX
| Example |
9A |
9B |
9C |
| ZDDP (predominantly 2° hydrocarbyl groups) |
0.48 |
1.05 |
1.05 |
| ZDDP (all 1° hydrocarbyl groups) |
0.56 |
0 |
0 |
| Amine friction modifier |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
| Boron |
150 |
150 |
150 |
| Magnesium |
1180 |
1180 |
1180 |
| Phosphorus |
1120 |
1120 |
1120 |
| Zinc |
1230 |
1230 |
1230 |
| Total TBN |
6.7 |
6.76 |
7.51 |
| TBN from nitrogenous components |
1.13 |
1.13 |
1.87 |
| TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
5.1 |
5.1 |
5.1 |
| % TBN from Magnesium sulfonate |
76 |
76 |
68 |
| Mole % 2° hydrocarbyl groups on ZDDP |
50 |
90.9 |
90.9 |
| Boron-to-Nitrogen (mass ratio) |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.16 |
| |
| Seq. VE (ASTM D5302)average wear, mils1 |
5.22 |
2.65 |
4.52 |
| 1. The API SH limit is average wear < 5 mils. |
[0107] To control wear in the Seq. VE (ASTM D5302) test when using high nitrogen systems
it is thus necessary to use a ZDDP or mixtures of ZDDPs having predominantly or exclusively
secondary hydrocarbyl groups
Example 10
[0108] While amines having at least two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen
must be avoided because of their adverse impact on soot induced oil thickening, antioxidants
are required to control thermal oxidation induced oil thickening. Historically, phosphorous
free antioxidants have been used so that the amount of phosphorous provided by the
zinc dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate may be kept to acceptable levels, often below 1500
ppm and preferably below 1200 ppm (mass) in the finished lubricant. Aromatic amines
having at least two aromatic groups attached directly to the nitrogen, e.g. alkyl
substituted diphenyl amines, have been particularly preferred phosphorous free antioxidants.
Surprisingly, hindered phenol antioxidants do not have an adverse effect on soot induced
oil thickening and can be substituted for diphenyl amines. The benefit of the present
invention with its high levels of nitrogenous TBN and hindered phenols is evident
in the John Deere 6466A test which combines both thermal oxidation and soot induced
viscosity increases.
[0109] To demonstrate efficacy of hindered phenols in the Seq IIIE test two lubricants containing
differing only in the amounts of 4, 4'-methylene-bis-2,6, di tert-butyl phenol were
run in the Seq IIIE test. Viscosity increase results are reported in Table X.
Table X
| Example |
|
10A |
10B |
| hindered phenol |
moles/100 gm oil |
0.0055 |
0.011 |
| hrs to 375 % viscosity increase |
(67.5 min)1 |
63.9 |
72.6 |
[0110] To demonstrate that hindered phenols do not adversely affect the Mack T-8 test, two
lubricant that were identical in all respects expect that one had a hindered phenol
antioxidant were tested in the Mack T-8 Test. The lubricant with hindered phenol yielded
a test result that, within the precision of the test, is indistinguishable from the
lubricant that did not have the hindered phenol (24.84 versus 22.57 viscosity increase
at 3.8 wt % soot).
[0111] The surprising effect of the present invention to control both soot and thermal-oxidation
induced oil thickening is found in the John Deere JD6466A test. That tests uses a
six cylinder, 226 horsepower engine to evaluate a lubricant's ability to control oxidation,
wear, deposits and oil consumption. In Table X(a) a SAE 15W40 lubricant formulated
in accordance with the present invention is compared to a conventional SAE 15W40 formulation
having mixed nonyl diphenylamines and no hindered phenol. In all respects the lubricant
of the present invention demonstrates excellent performance, while the conventional
lubricant is unable to meet the end of test viscosity target.
Tables X(a)
| |
|
Conventional Lubricant |
Example 10C |
| Parameter |
Target |
300 hour |
300 hour |
| Magnesium, ppm |
|
660 |
1250 |
| Boron, ppm |
|
170 |
200 |
| Phosphorous, ppm |
|
1210 |
1190 |
| TBN of lubricant |
|
10.1 |
8.6 |
| TBN from nitrogenous sources |
|
1.36 |
1.76 |
| TBN from magnesium sulfonate |
|
7.37 |
5.5 |
| Mole % secondary hydrocarbyl groups in ZDDP |
|
47.8 |
90.9 |
| Antioxidant |
|
C9 diphenyl amine |
Hindered phenol1 |
| Test Parameters |
|
|
|
| Oil consumption, gm/Kw-hr |
<0.300 |
0.1585 |
0.1098 |
| Viscosity increase, % |
<50 |
113 |
2.8 |
| Top ring wear, µm |
<10.0 |
6.9 |
5.7 |
| Second ring, µm |
<8.0 |
6.2 |
3.0 |
| Cylinder liner wear, µm |
<5.0 |
1.9 |
1.5 |
| Cam & follower wear, µm |
<60.0 |
35 |
20.2 |
| Upper piston deposits |
<100 |
126 |
107 |
| Lower piston deposits |
<2.0 |
19.5 |
2.9 |
| Crownland heavy carbon, % |
0 |
3.3 |
0 |
| 1. C7OH-C9OH ester of β-(3.5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl-propionic acid) |