Alkoxylated alcohols for increasing lubricant breakdown voltage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons, 50 to 1000 ppm of water, and an alkoxylated alcohol wherein the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from C4-C20 epoxide. The invention also relates to a method for lubricating a mechanical device in an electric vehicle, the method comprising the step of bringing a lubricant into contact with the mechanical device; to the use of an alkoxylated alcohol for increasing the breakdown voltage of a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons; and to the use of an alkoxylated alcohol in a lubricant comprising a base feedstock selected from hydrocarbons for reducing electrical discharge machining.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons, 50 to 1000 ppm of water, and an alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic epoxide alkoxylation of epoxides. The present invention also relates to a method for lubricating a mechanical device in an electric vehicle, the method comprising the step of contacting a lubricant with the mechanical device; to the use of an alkoxylated alcohol for increasing the breakdown voltage of a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons; and to the use of an alkoxylated alcohol in a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons for reducing electrical discharge machining; and to a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons (these hydrocarbons are selected from API Class I, II or III base stocks), 50 to 1000 ppm of water, and an alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic epoxide alkoxylation of epoxides, and wherein the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

[0002] Unintended currents (sometimes also called parasitic currents) flowing in rolling element bearings can damage mechanical parts and lubricants. Bearing current events are typically in the form of arc discharge current pulses, which are caused by capacitive discharge breakdown of the lubricant. Such events are also called electrical discharge machining (EDM). The result is lubricant burning or bearing wear.

[0003] In the automotive industry, frequency converters are used to control variable speed inverter powered motors and generators, and they can cause rolling element bearing damage due to bearing currents. Typical observations include current related damage, pitting in the bearing raceways, fluting throughout the raceways, and oxidation of the lubricant in the contact area between the rolling elements and the raceways.

[0004] To avoid these problems, the construction of the bearing or rotating shaft is optimized:

[0005] WO 2022 / 005935 proposes a grounding brush assembly for reducing current in a rotating shaft in the presence of a viscous medium.

[0006] WO 2013 / 090997 proposes a grounding assembly for an electric motor.

[0007] US 2004 / 0056543 proposes an electromechanical device in which a pressure relief member is fixed to a rotatable member.

[0008] The effect of lubricants on parasitic currents was also investigated:

[0009] Bechev et al., “Characterization of electrical lubricant properties for modelling of electrical drive systems with rolling bearings,” Bearing World Journal, 2018(3), pp. 93–106, investigated electrical lubricant properties associated with parasitic bearing currents.

[0010] Gonda et al., “The Influence of Lubricant Conductivity on Bearing Currents in the Case of Rolling Bearing Greases,” Lubricants, 2019(7), pp. 108-121, studied harmful currents in rolling bearings.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a lubricant to overcome the above problems.

[0012] These objects are solved by a method for lubricating a mechanical device in an electric vehicle, the method comprising the step of contacting a lubricant with the mechanical device, wherein the lubricant comprises:

[0013] - a base stock selected from hydrocarbons,

[0014] -50 to 1000 ppm water, and

[0015] - alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic Epoxide Alkoxylation of Epoxides.

[0016] These objects are solved by a lubricant comprising:

[0017] - a base stock selected from hydrocarbons,

[0018] -100 to 1000 ppm water, and

[0019] - alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic Epoxide Alkoxylation of Epoxides.

[0020] These objects are solved by a lubricant comprising:

[0021] - a base stock selected from hydrocarbons selected from base stocks of API group I, II or III,

[0022] -50 to 1000 ppm water, and

[0023] - alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic epoxide alkoxylation of epoxides, and wherein the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

[0024] A lubricant is generally a substance capable of reducing friction between surfaces (preferably metal surfaces, such as the surfaces of a mechanical device). A mechanical device may be a piece of machinery consisting of a device that works under mechanical principles. A lubricant is generally a lubricating fluid, lubricating oil or lubricating grease.

[0025] Lubricants can be used in a variety of applications such as light, medium and heavy duty engine oils, industrial engine oils, marine engine oils, automotive engine oils, crankshaft oils, compressor oils, refrigeration oils, hydrocarbon compressor oils, very low temperature lubricants and greases, high temperature lubricants and greases, wire rope lubricants, textile machine oils, refrigeration oils, aviation and aerospace lubricants, aviation turbine oils, transmission oils, gas turbine oils, spindle oils, spinning oils, traction fluids, fluid), transmission oil, plastic transmission oil, passenger car transmission oil, truck transmission oil, industrial transmission oil, industrial gear oil, insulating oil, instrument oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, shock absorber oil, heat distribution medium oil, transformer oil, grease, chain oil, minimum quantity lubricant for metalworking operations, warm working and cold working oil, oil for water-based metalworking fluid, oil for neat metalworking fluid, oil for semi-synthetic metalworking fluid, oil for synthetic metalworking fluid, drilling cleaner for soil investigation, hydraulic oil, biodegradable lubricant or grease or lubricating wax, chain saw oil, mold release agent, molding fluid, gun lubricant, pistol lubricant and rifle lubricant or watch lubricant and food grade approved lubricant.

[0026] The lubricant typically comprises at least 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 wt% base stock. The lubricant typically comprises up to 80, 90, 95 or 99 wt% base stock. The lubricant typically comprises 50-99, 50-95, 60-90 or 70-80 wt% base stock.

[0027] The base stock is selected from hydrocarbons. Suitable hydrocarbons are typically mixtures of higher alkanes from mineral sources (e.g., mineral oils, particularly petroleum distillates) or from synthetic sources (e.g., polyalphaolefins or GTL oils). The chemical structure of the hydrocarbons may be cycloparaffinic, paraffinic, or aromatic. In industrial use, the base stock typically contains a chemical composition containing a certain proportion of all three oils (paraffinic, cycloparaffinic, and aromatic oils).

[0028] Cycloalkanes consist of methylene groups arranged in a ring to which paraffinic side chains are attached. The pour point of cycloalkanes is generally lower than that of paraffinic oils.

[0029] Paraffinic hydrocarbons include saturated, straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbons. Straight chain paraffins with high molecular weight increase the pour point of the oil and are usually removed by dewaxing.

[0030] Aromatic hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons with closed carbon rings of semi-unsaturated character and may have side chains attached. Such oils are more susceptible to degradation than paraffinic and naphthalene oils, producing corrosive byproducts.

[0031] In another form, hydrocarbon is GTL oil (gas to liquid), which can be synthesized using the Fischer-Tropsch process that converts natural gas into liquid fuel. GTL oil can be produced as follows: in the first stage, synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) is made from natural gas by partial oxidation. In the second stage, the synthesis gas is converted into liquid hydrocarbons using a catalyst. The final stage is cracking and isomerization, which "tailors" the molecular chain into products with desired properties. These GTL oils correspond to the 3 base oils of API, and Shell XHVI is an example of a commercial product.

[0032] Preferably, the hydrocarbon is selected from API Class I, II, III or IV base stocks, or mixtures thereof. In particular, the hydrocarbon is selected from API Class I, II or III base stocks, or mixtures thereof. In another particular form, the hydrocarbon is selected from API Class III base stocks.

[0033] Definitions of base stocks can be found in the American Petroleum Institute (API) publication "Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System," Industry Services Department, Fourteenth Edition, December 1996, Appendix 1, December 1998. The publication classifies base oils as follows:

[0034] a) Group I base oils contain less than 90% saturates (ASTM D 2007) and / or greater than 0.03% sulfur (ASTM D 2622) and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120 (ASTM D 2270).

[0035] b) Group II base oils contain greater than or equal to 90% saturated hydrocarbons and less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120.

[0036] c) Group III base oils contain greater than or equal to 90% saturated hydrocarbons and less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 120.

[0037] d) Group IV base oils contain polyalphaolefins. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) include known PAO materials, which typically contain relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or oligomers of alpha olefins (including but not limited to C2 to about C32 alpha olefins, wherein C8 to about C16 alpha olefins, such as 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, etc. are preferred). Preferred polyalphaolefins are poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene, and poly-1-dodecene.

[0038] e) Group V base oil contains any base oil not described in Groups I to IV. Examples of Group V base oil include alkyl naphthalene, alkylene oxide polymers, silicone oil, and phosphoric acid esters.

[0039] The lubricant is typically free of API Group V base stock. In another form, the lubricant comprises up to 20, 10, 5 or 1 wt % of API Group V base stock.

[0040] In another form, the lubricant is generally free of API Group IV and V base stocks. In another form, the lubricant contains up to 20, 10, 5 or 1 wt % of API Group IV and V base stocks.

[0041] The breakdown voltage of the base material is typically up to 1000, 500, 250, 150 or 100 volts. The breakdown voltage of the base material is typically at least 1, 3, 5, 10 or 20 volts. The breakdown voltage of the base material is typically in the range of 1-1000 volts, or 5-500 volts, or 10-150 volts. The breakdown voltage of the base material is typically determined at a water concentration of less than 5 ppm, particularly 0 ppm.

[0042] The breakdown voltage of the base stock can be determined in accordance with DIN EN 60156 (“Insulating liquids—Determination of the breakdown voltage at power frequency—Test method”) before the base stock is used in a lubricant.

[0043] The lubricant comprises 50 to 1000 ppm, or 100 to 1000 ppm, or 150 to 900 ppm, or 200 to 800 ppm, or 200 to 600 ppm of water.

[0044] The water content can be determined by the Karl Fischer method (DIN 51777 / 1 / ASTM D 1744). The water content can be determined at 20°C.

[0045] Water is usually present in lubricants in dissolved form.

[0046] Water in lubricants may come from trace amounts of water in base stocks, lubricant additives, or alkoxylated alcohols, or from humidity in the air.

[0047] The water content of the lubricant can be adjusted, for example, by using a desiccant breather, which can be attached to a device (e.g., oil reservoir, oil drum). When humid air passes through the breather, the moisture in the air is absorbed by a hygroscopic agent (e.g., a silica gel bed). The water content of the lubricant can be adjusted by applying a vacuum to the lubricant, or by venting air or water before or during mixing of the lubricant components.

[0048] The lubricant comprises an alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic Epoxide Alkoxylation of Epoxides.

[0049] The alcohol may be a monool, a diol, or a polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups.

[0050] In one form, the alcohol is selected from C1-C 22 Monoalcohols of monoalcohols, which can be straight-chain or branched, such as straight-chain or branched C1-C 22 Alkanol or C4-C 18 Alkanols. Examples of monoalcohols are methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, neopentyl alcohol, isobutanol, decanol, 2-ethylhexanol, and higher acyclic alcohols having 11 to 22 carbon atoms of both natural and petrochemical origin.

[0051] In another form, the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12Preferably, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of C2-C8 alkanediol, C2-C8 alkanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetrahydrofuran. 12 Diols and polytetrahydrofuran diols. C2-C 12 Examples of diols are monoethylene glycol, monopropylene glycol, butanediol, diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol. In another form, the alcohol is polytetrahydrofuran, which may have 2 to 30, 3 to 20, 5 to 20 or 6 to 16 repeating units. In another form, the alcohol is polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, which may have 2 to 30, 3 to 20, 5 to 20 or 6 to 16 repeating units. In particular, the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

[0052] In another form, the alcohol is selected from C3-C 12 The polyols are polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane and pentaerythritol.

[0053] The alcohol is preferably C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

[0054] In another preferred form, the alcohol is C1-C 22 Alkanol, C2-C8 alkanediol or polytetrahydrofuran having 3 to 20 repeating units.

[0055] In another preferred form, the alcohol is C4-C 18 Alkanol, C2-C6 alkanediol or polytetrahydrofuran having 5 to 20 repeating units.

[0056] The hydrophobic epoxide is selected from C4-C 20 Epoxides, preferably C4-C 12 Epoxides, such as butylene oxide, pentylene oxide, hexylene oxide, heptane oxide, 1,2-octane oxide; 1,2-nonane oxide, 1,2-decane oxide; 1,2-undecane oxide, 1,2-dodecane oxide (also known as dodecyl oxide), 1,2-tridecane oxide, 1,2-tetradecane oxide, 1,2-pentadecane oxide, 1,2-hexadecane oxide; 1,2-heptadecane oxide, 1,2-octadecane oxide, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] Preferably, the hydrophobic epoxide is selected from butylene oxide, dodecyl oxide, or a mixture thereof.

[0058] In another preferred form, the hydrophobic epoxide is selected from dodecyl oxide. In another preferred form, the hydrophobic epoxide is selected from butylene oxide.

[0059] The alcohols can be alkoxylated with hydrophobic epoxides and optionally additionally with propylene oxide.

[0060] Preferably, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide, and optionally additionally with propylene oxide.

[0061] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide, and additionally with propylene oxide.

[0062] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide.

[0063] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide.

[0064] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide, and optionally additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

[0065] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide, and optionally additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

[0066] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

[0067] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

[0068] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

[0069] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

[0070] The propylene oxide may comprise up to 90, 80, 70, 65, 60 or 55 wt % based on the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and the propylene oxide. The propylene oxide may comprise up to 85, 75, 70 or 65 mol % based on the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and the propylene oxide.

[0071] Preferably, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide, and optionally additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide may constitute up to 90, 80, 70, 65, 60 or 55 wt% based on the total amount of hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0072] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide and optionally additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide may constitute up to 85, 75, 70 or 65 mol % based on the total amount of hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0073] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide comprises up to 90, 80, 70, 65, 60 or 55 wt% based on the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0074] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide comprises up to 85, 75, 70 or 65 mol % based on the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0075] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide comprises up to 90, 80, 70, 65, 60 or 55 wt% based on the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0076] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide represents up to 85, 75, 70 or 65 mol % of the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0077] In another preferred form, the alcohol is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from dodecyl oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, wherein the propylene oxide represents up to 85, 75, 70 or 65 mol % of the total amount of the hydrophobic epoxide and propylene oxide.

[0078] In one form of alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is C1-C 22 Alkanols which are alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide.

[0079] In another form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is C6-C 18 Alkanol, which is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the weight ratio of butylene oxide to propylene oxide is from 4:1 to 1:4, preferably from 2:1 to 1:2.

[0080] In another form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is C8-C 14 Alkanols which are alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the weight ratio of butylene oxide to propylene oxide is 4:1 to 1:4, preferably 2:1 to 1:2, and the molecular weight of the alkoxylated alcohol is 300 to 5000 g / mol.

[0081] In another form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is C 12 Alkanols which are alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide and additionally with propylene oxide, and the weight ratio of butylene oxide to propylene oxide is from 3:1 to 1:3, preferably from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, and the molecular weight of the alkoxylated alcohol is from 500 to 3000 g / mol.

[0082] In one form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is a C2-C8 alkane diol which is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide.

[0083] In another form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is a C2-C4 alkane diol which is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide, and the molecular weight of the alkoxylated alcohol is from 500 to 10,000 g / mol.

[0084] In another form of the alkoxylated alcohol, the alcohol is a C2-C3 alkane diol which is alkoxylated with a hydrophobic epoxide selected from butylene oxide, and the molecular weight of the alkoxylated alcohol is from 1,000 to 8,000 g / mol.

[0085] The alkoxylated alcohol is preferably an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran. In a preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0086]

[0087] in

[0088] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤50,

[0089] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤50,

[0090] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤90,

[0091] n is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0092] n' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0093] p is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0094] p' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0095] k is an integer in the range of ≥2 to ≤30,

[0096] R 1 represents an unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 carbon atoms,

[0097] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0098] R 3 are the same or different, representing a hydrogen atom or -CH3,

[0099] The tandem bodies represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the tandem bodies represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure.

[0100] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0101]

[0102] in

[0103] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0104] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0105] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥2 to ≤60,

[0106] n is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤45,

[0107] n' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤45,

[0108] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤80,

[0109] p is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤25,

[0110] p' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤25,

[0111] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤30,

[0112] k is an integer in the range of ≥2 to ≤30,

[0113] R 1 represents an unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 carbon atoms,

[0114] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0115] R 3 The same or different, represents a hydrogen atom or -CH3,

[0116] The tandem bodies represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the tandem bodies represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure.

[0117] Preferably, the kinematic viscosity of the alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran at 40°C measured according to ASTM D 445 is ≥ 200 mm 2 / s to ≤700mm 2 / s, more preferably ≥250mm 2 / s to ≤650mm 2 / s range.

[0118] Preferably, the kinematic viscosity of the alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran measured at 100°C according to ASTM D 445 is ≥ 25 mm 2 / s to ≤90mm 2 / s, more preferably ≥30mm2 / s to ≤80mm 2 / s range.

[0119] Preferably, the pour point of the alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran, determined according to DIN ISO 3016, is in the range of ≧-60°C to ≦20°C, more preferably in the range of ≧-50°C to ≦15°C.

[0120] Preferably, the weight average molecular weight Mw of the alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran, determined according to DIN 55672-1, is in the range of 500 to 20,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol, most preferably in the range of 2,000 to 7,000 g / mol, even more preferably in the range of 4,000 to 7,000 g / mol.

[0121] Preferably, the polydispersity of the alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran, determined according to DIN 55672-1, is in the range of 1,05 to 1,60, more preferably in the range of 1,05 to 1,50, most preferably in the range of 1,05 to 1,45.

[0122] Preferably, k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25, more preferably k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤20, most preferably in the range of ≥5 to ≤20, even more preferably in the range of ≥6 to ≤16.

[0123] Preferably, m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25, and m′ is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25, more preferably m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤20, and m′ is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤20.

[0124] Preferably, (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤65, more preferably (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50, even more preferably (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤40.

[0125] Preferably, the ratio of (m+m') to k is in the range of 0.3:1 to 6:1, more preferably in the range of 0.3:1 to 5:1, most preferably in the range of 0.3:1 to 4:1, even more preferably in the range of 0.3:1 to 3:1.

[0126] Preferably, n is an integer in the range of ≥6 to ≤40, and n′ is an integer in the range of ≥6 to ≤40, more preferably n is an integer in the range of ≥8 to ≤35, and p′ is an integer in the range of ≥8 to ≤35.

[0127] Preferably, (n+n′) is an integer in the range of ≧10 to ≦80, more preferably (n+n′) is an integer in the range of ≧15 to ≦70.

[0128] Preferably, p is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤25, and p′ is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤25, more preferably p is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤15, and p′ is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤15.

[0129] Preferably, (p+p′) is an integer in the range of ≧10 to ≦30, more preferably (p+p′) is an integer in the range of ≧15 to ≦30.

[0130] Preferably, R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms. More preferably, R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight chain alkyl group having 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 carbon atoms. Most preferably, R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms.

[0131] The alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran comprises R 2 In the case of units representing -CH2-CH3, the ratio of (n+n') to k is in the range of 1.5:1 to 10:1, more preferably in the range of 1.5:1 to 6:1, most preferably in the range of 2:1 to 5:1.

[0132] The alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran comprises R 3 In the case of units representing -CH3, the ratio of (p+p') to k is in the range of 1.2:1 to 10:1, more preferably in the range of 1.2:1 to 6:1.

[0133] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0134]

[0135] in

[0136] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0137] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0138] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50,

[0139] n is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0140] n' is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0141] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥6 to ≤90,

[0142] p is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0143] p' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0144] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0145] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤30,

[0146] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0147] R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms,

[0148] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0149] R 3 represents -CH3,

[0150] The tandem bodies represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the tandem bodies represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure.

[0151] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0152]

[0153] in

[0154] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0155] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0156] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50,

[0157] n is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0158] n' is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0159] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥6 to ≤90,

[0160] p is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0161] p' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤75,

[0162] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0163] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤30,

[0164] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0165] R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms,

[0166] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0167] R 3 represents -CH3,

[0168] wherein the concatemers represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the concatemers represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure, wherein the ratio of (m+m') to k is in the range of 0.3:1 to 6:1, and the ratio of (n+n') to k is in the range of 1.5:1 to 10:1.

[0169] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0170]

[0171] in

[0172] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0173] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0174] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤40,

[0175] n is an integer in the range of ≥6 to ≤40,

[0176] n' is an integer in the range of ≥6 to ≤40,

[0177] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥12 to ≤70,

[0178] p is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤25,

[0179] p' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤25,

[0180] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤30,

[0181] k is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤20,

[0182] R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms,

[0183] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0184] R 3 represents -CH3,

[0185] wherein the series of entities represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the series of entities represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure, and

[0186] wherein the ratio of (m+m') to k is in the range of 0.3:1 to 4:1, and the ratio of (n+n') to k is in the range of 1.5:1 to 5:1.

[0187] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0188]

[0189] in

[0190] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0191] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0192] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50,

[0193] n is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤45,

[0194] n' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤45,

[0195] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤80,

[0196] p is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0197] p' is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0198] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥6 to ≤90,

[0199] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0200] R 1represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms,

[0201] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0202] R 3 represents -CH3,

[0203] The tandem bodies represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the tandem bodies represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure.

[0204] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol as lubricant is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0205]

[0206] in

[0207] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0208] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤30,

[0209] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50,

[0210] n is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤45,

[0211] n' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤45,

[0212] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤80,

[0213] p is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0214] p' is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤45,

[0215] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥6 to ≤90,

[0216] k is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤25,

[0217] R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms,

[0218] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0219] R 3represents -CH3,

[0220] wherein the concatemers represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the concatemers represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure, wherein the ratio of (m+m') to k is in the range of 0.3:1 to 6:1, and the ratio of (p+p') to k is in the range of 1.5:1 to 10:1.

[0221] In another preferred form, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I):

[0222]

[0223] in

[0224] m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0225] m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤25,

[0226] (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥3 to ≤50,

[0227] n is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤45,

[0228] n' is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤45,

[0229] (n+n') is an integer in the range ≥0 to ≤80,

[0230] p is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤20,

[0231] p' is an integer in the range ≥5 to ≤20,

[0232] (p+p') is an integer in the range ≥10 to ≤30,

[0233] k is an integer in the range of ≥5 to ≤20,

[0234] R 1 represents an unsubstituted straight-chain alkyl group having 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms,

[0235] R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and

[0236] R 3 represents -CH3,

[0237] wherein the concatemers represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the concatemers represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure, wherein the ratio of (m+m') to k is in the range of 0.3:1 to 4:1, and the ratio of (p+p') to k is in the range of 1.5:1 to 5:1.

[0238] The alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran can generally be prepared by reacting at least one polytetrahydrofuran block polymer with at least one C8-C 30 The present invention relates to a method for preparing an alkylene oxide, and optionally at least one epoxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide, by reacting in the presence of at least one catalyst. In the case of using at least one epoxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide, at least one C8-C 30 The alkylene oxide and at least one epoxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide may be added as a mixture of epoxides to obtain a random copolymer, or in portions, each portion containing a different epoxide to obtain a block copolymer.

[0239] Preferably, at least one C8-C 30 The alkylene oxide is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-epoxyoctane; 1,2-epoxynonane; 1,2-epoxydecane; 1,2-epoxyundecane; 1,2-epoxydodecane; 1,2-epoxytridecane; 1,2-epoxytetradecane; 1,2-epoxypentadecane; 1,2-epoxyhexadecane; 1,2-epoxyheptadecane; 1,2-epoxyoctadecane; 1,2-epoxynonadecane; 1,2-epoxyeicosane; 1,2-epoxyhenicosane (unicosane); 1,2-epoxydocosane; 1,2-epoxytricosane; 1,2-epoxytetracosane; 1,2-epoxypentacosane; 1,2-epoxyhexacosane; 1,2-epoxyheptacosane; 1,2-epoxyoctacosane; 1,2-epoxynonacosane and 1,2-epoxytriacontane.

[0240] The alkoxylated alcohols are generally oil-soluble, which may mean that when mixed with a hydrocarbon in weight ratios of 10:90, 50:50 and 90:10, the alkoxylated alcohols show no phase separation for at least two of the three weight ratios of 10:90, 50:50 and 90:10 after standing at room temperature for 24 hours.

[0241] The lubricant may contain 2 to 99 wt%, preferably 2 to 50 wt%, or more preferably 10 to 25 wt% of alkoxylated alcohol. In another form, the lubricant contains 5 to 99 wt%, 10 to 50 wt%, or 15 to 50 wt% of alkoxylated alcohol. In another form, the lubricant contains 3 to 40 wt%, 5 to 30 wt%, or 5 to 20 wt% of alkoxylated alcohol.

[0242] The lubricant is generally free of ionic liquids. Ionic liquids are generally salts having a melting point of less than 100° C. at 1 bar. The ionic liquid may be liquid under normal conditions (1 bar, at room temperature). The ionic liquid may contain at least one organic compound as a cation, such as a quaternary ammonium cation, for example a pyridinium cation, a pyridazinium cation, a pyrimidinium cation, a pyrazinium cation, an imidazolium cation, a pyrazolium cation, a pyrazolium cation, an imidazolinium cation, a thiazolium cation, a triazolium cation, a pyrrolidinium cation and an imidazolinium cation.

[0243] The kinematic viscosity of the lubricant at 100°C may be 1 to 100 mm 2 / s, as can be determined according to ASTM D445.

[0244] In addition to the base stock selected from hydrocarbons, water and alkoxylated alcohols, the lubricant may further comprise lubricant additives. Suitable lubricant additives may be selected from viscosity index improvers, polymer thickeners, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, defoamers, dyes, wear protection additives, extreme pressure additives (EP additives), antiwear additives (AW additives), friction modifiers, metal passivators, pour point depressants.

[0245] The combined total amount of lubricant additives in the lubricant may be included in the range of 0-25 wt%, or 0.01-20 wt%, or 0.1-15 wt%, or 0.5-10 wt%, or 1-5 wt% of the lubricant.

[0246] Viscosity index improvers include high molecular weight polymers whose relative viscosity at high temperatures is higher than their relative viscosity at low temperatures. Viscosity index improvers include polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, alkyl methacrylates, vinyl pyrrolidone / methacrylate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polybutene, olefin copolymers such as ethylene-propylene copolymers or styrene-butadiene copolymers or polyolefins such as PIB, styrene / acrylate copolymers and polyethers, and combinations thereof. The most common V1 improvers are methacrylate polymers and copolymers, acrylate polymers, olefin polymers and copolymers, and styrene-butadiene copolymers. Other examples of viscosity index improvers include polymethacrylates, polyisobutylene, alpha-olefin polymers, alpha-olefin copolymers (e.g., ethylene-propylene copolymers), polyalkyl styrenes, phenol condensates, naphthalene condensates, styrene-butadiene copolymers, etc. Among these, polymethacrylates having a number average molecular weight of 10000 to 300000 and α-olefin polymers or α-olefin copolymers having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 30000, particularly ethylene-α-olefin copolymers having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 10000 are preferred. The viscosity index improver may be conveniently added and used alone or in a mixture in an amount ranging from ≥0.05% to ≤20.0% by weight relative to the weight of the base stock.

[0247] Suitable (polymer) thickeners include, but are not limited to, polyisobutylene (PIB), oligomeric copolymers (OCP), polymethacrylates (PMA), copolymers of styrene and butadiene, or high viscosity esters (complex esters).

[0248] Corrosion inhibitors may include various oxygen-containing, nitrogen-containing, sulfur-containing and phosphorus-containing materials, and may include metal-containing compounds (salts, organometallic compounds, etc.) and non-metal-containing or ashless materials. Corrosion inhibitors may include, but are not limited to, additive types such as the following hydrocarbyl-, aryl-, alkyl-, arylalkyl- and alkylaryl forms: detergents (neutral, overbased), sulfonates, phenates, salicylates, alkoxides, carboxylates, salixarates, phosphites, phosphates, thiophosphates, amines, amine salts, amine phosphates, amine sulfonates, alkoxylated amines, etheramines, polyetheramines, amides, imides, azoles, diazoles, Triazole, benzotriazole, benzothiazole, mercaptobenzothiazole, tolyltriazole (TTZ-type), heterocyclic amine, heterocyclic thioether, thiazole, thiadiazole, mercaptothiadiazole, dimercaptothiadiazole (DMTD-type), imidazole, benzimidazole, dithiobenzimidazole, imidazoline, oxazoline, Mannich reaction products, glycidyl ether, anhydride, carbamate, thiocarbamate, dithiocarbamate, polyglycol, etc., or mixtures thereof.

[0249] Detergents include detergents that adhere to dirt particles to prevent dirt particles from attaching to critical surfaces. Detergents can also adhere to the metal surface itself to keep the metal surface clean and prevent corrosion from occurring. Detergents include calcium alkyl salicylates, calcium alkyl phenates, and calcium alkyl aryl sulfonates, in which selected metal ions such as magnesium, barium, or sodium are used. Examples of detergents and dispersants that can be used include metal-based detergents, such as neutral and basic alkaline earth metal sulfonates, alkaline earth metal phenates, and alkaline earth metal salicylates, alkenyl succinimides and alkenyl succinimides esters and their borohydrides, phenates, salienius composite detergents, and ashless dispersants that have been modified with sulfur compounds. These agents can be conveniently added and used individually or in a mixture in an amount ranging from ≥0.01% to ≤1.0% by weight relative to the weight of the base stock; these can also be high total base number (TBN), low TBN, or high / low TBN mixed forms.

[0250] Dispersants are lubricant additives that help prevent sludge, varnish and other deposits from forming on key surfaces. Dispersants can be succinimide dispersants (e.g., N-substituted long-chain alkenyl succinimides), Mannich dispersants, ester-containing dispersants, condensation products of aliphatic monocarboxylic acid acylating agents with amines or ammonia, alkylaminophenol dispersants, alkyl-amine dispersants, polyether dispersants or polyetheramine dispersants. In one embodiment, succinimide dispersants include polyisobutylene-substituted succinimides, wherein the polyisobutylene derived from the dispersant can have a number average molecular weight of about 400 to about 5000, or about 950 to about 1600. In one embodiment, dispersants include borated dispersants. Typically, borated dispersants include succinimide dispersants (including polyisobutylene succinimides), wherein the polyisobutylene derived from the dispersant can have a number average molecular weight of about 400 to about 5000. Borated dispersants are described in more detail above in the description of extreme pressure agents.

[0251] The defoamer may be selected from silicones, polyacrylates, etc. The amount of the defoamer in the lubricant composition described herein may be in the range of ≥ 0.001 wt.-% to ≤ 0.1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the formulation. As a further example, the defoamer may be present in an amount of about 0.004 wt.-% to about 0.008 wt.-%.

[0252] Suitable extreme pressure agents are sulfur-containing compounds. In one embodiment, the sulfur-containing compound can be a sulfurized olefin, a polysulfide, or a mixture thereof. Examples of sulfurized olefins include sulfurized olefins derived from propylene, isobutylene, and pentene; organic sulfides and / or polysulfides (including benzyl disulfide); bis-(chlorobenzyl) disulfide; dibutyl tetrasulfide; di-tert-butyl polysulfide; and sulfurized methyl oleate, sulfurized alkylphenol, sulfurized dipentene, sulfurized terpene, sulfurized Diels-Alder adduct, N'N-dialkyl dithiocarbamic acid alkyl sulfonic acid phenyl ester; or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the sulfurized olefin includes a sulfurized olefin derived from propylene, isobutylene, pentene, or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the extreme pressure additive sulfur-containing compound includes dithiothiadiazole or a derivative, or a mixture thereof. Examples of dimercaptothiadiazoles include compounds such as 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles or alkyl-substituted 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles, or oligomers thereof. Hydrocarbyl-substituted 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole oligomers are typically formed in the following manner: sulfur-sulfur bonds are formed between 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole units to form two or more derivatives or oligomers of the thiadiazole units. Suitable 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole derived compounds include, for example, 2,5-bis(tert-nonyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles or 2-tert-nonyldithio-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazoles. The number of carbon atoms on the hydrocarbyl substituent of the hydrocarbyl substituted 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole typically includes 1 to 30, or 2 to 20, or 3 to 16. Extreme pressure additives include compounds containing boron and / or sulfur and / or phosphorus. The extreme pressure agent can be present in the lubricant composition at 0 wt.-% to about 20 wt.-%, or about 0.05 wt.-% to about 10.0 wt.-%, or about 0.1 wt.-% to about 8 wt.-%.

[0253] Examples of antiwear additives include organic borates, organic phosphites such as didodecylphosphite, organic sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfurized whale oil or sulfurized terpenes, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates, zinc diaryl dithiophosphates, phosphosulfurized hydrocarbons, and any combination thereof.

[0254] Friction modifiers can include metal-containing compounds or materials and ash-free compounds or materials, or mixtures thereof. Metal-containing friction modifiers include metal salts or metal ligand complexes, wherein the metal may include alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or transition metals. Such metal-containing friction modifiers can also have low ash characteristics. Transition metals can include Mo, Sb, Sn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and others. Ligands can include the following hydrocarbon derivatives: alcohols, polyols, glycerol, partial ester glycerol, thiol, carboxylic acid esters, carbamates, thiocarbamates, dithiocarbamates, phosphates, thiophosphates, dithiophosphates, amides, imides, amines, thiazoles, thiadiazoles, dithiazoles, diazoles, triazoles, and other polar molecular functional groups containing effective amounts of O, N, S or P, either individually or in combination. In particular, Mo-containing compounds may be particularly effective, such as, for example, Mo-dithiocarbamate (Mo(DTC)), Mo-dithiophosphate (Mo(DTP)), Mo-amine (Mo(Am)), Mo-alkoxide, Mo-alcohol-amine, and the like.

[0255] Ashless friction modifiers may also include lubricant materials containing effective amounts of polar groups, such as hydrocarbon base oils containing hydroxyl groups, glycerides, partial glycerides, glyceride derivatives, and the like. The polar groups in the friction modifier may include hydrocarbon groups containing effective amounts of O, N, S, or P, either alone or in combination. Other friction modifiers that may be particularly effective include, for example, salts (both ash-containing and ashless derivatives) of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty amides, fatty esters, carboxylates containing hydroxyl groups, and similar synthetic long-chain hydrocarbon acids, alcohols, amides, esters, hydroxycarboxylates, and the like. In some cases, fatty organic acids, fatty amines, and sulfurized fatty acids may be used as suitable friction modifiers. Examples of friction modifiers include fatty acid esters and amides, organic molybdenum compounds, dialkylthiocarbamates, and dialkyl dithiophosphates.

[0256] Suitable metal deactivators include benzotriazole and its derivatives, such as 4- or 5-alkylbenzotriazole (e.g., triazole) and its derivatives, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzotriazole and 5,5'-methylenebisbenzotriazole; Mannich bases of benzotriazole or triazole, such as 1-[bis(2-ethyl-hexyl)aminomethyl)triazole and 1-[bis(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl)benzotriazole; and alkoxyalkylbenzotriazoles, such as 1-(nonyloxymethyl)benzotriazole, 1-(1-butoxyethyl)benzotriazole and 1-(1-cyclohexyloxybutyl)triazole, and combinations thereof. Additional non-limiting examples of one or more metal deactivators include 1,2,4-triazole and its derivatives, such as 3-alkyl (or aryl)-1,2,4-triazole, and Mannich bases of 1,2,4-triazole, such as 1-[bis(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl-1,2,4-triazole; alkoxyalkyl-1,2,4-triazole such as 1-(1-butoxyethyl)-1,2,4-triazole; and acylated 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, imidazole derivatives, such as 4,4'-methylenebis(2-undecyl-5-methylimidazole) and bis[(N-methyl)imidazol-2-yl]methanol octyl ether, and combinations thereof. Additional non-limiting examples of one or more metal deactivators include sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, such as 2-mercapto-benzothiazole, 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole and derivatives thereof; and 3,5-bis[di(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl]-1,3,4-thiadiazoline-2-one, and combinations thereof. Even additional non-limiting examples of one or more metal deactivators include amino compounds, such as salicylidene propylenediamine, salicylaminoguanidine and salts thereof, and combinations thereof. The amount of one or more metal deactivators in the composition is not particularly limited, but is typically present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.1, about 0.05 to about 0.01, or about 0.07 to about 0.1 wt.-%, based on the weight of the composition. Alternatively, one or more metal deactivators may be present in an amount of less than about 0.1, less than about 0.7, or less than about 0.5 wt.-%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0257] Pour point depressants (PPDs) include polymethacrylates, alkylated naphthalene derivatives, and combinations thereof. Commonly used additives such as alkyl aromatic polymers and polymethacrylates may also be used for this purpose. Typically, the treat rate is in the range of ≥ 0.001 wt.-% to ≤ 1.0 wt.-% relative to the weight of the base stock.

[0258] Demulsifiers include trialkyl phosphates, and various polymers and copolymers of ethylene glycol, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or mixtures thereof.

[0259] The invention also relates to a method for lubricating a mechanical device in an electric vehicle, the method comprising the step of contacting a lubricant with the mechanical device.

[0260] Suitable electric vehicles are full electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Electric vehicles generally include a rotating electric machine and an electric power storage device configured to store electric power for driving the rotating electric machine. Hybrid electric vehicles generally travel by using the power of the rotating electric machine and a combustion engine.

[0261] Suitable hybrid electric vehicles are full hybrid (also called strong hybrid) electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (also called PHEVs), or extended range electric vehicles (also called REEVs). Full hybrid electric vehicles are typically vehicles that can run solely on a combustion engine, solely on an electric motor, or a combination of both. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are typically hybrid electric vehicles with a rechargeable battery that can be restored to full charge by plugging it into an external power source.

[0262] Suitable electric vehicles are battery electric vehicles (also called BEVs) or fuel cell electric vehicles. BEVs are typically electric vehicles that use chemical energy stored in a rechargeable battery pack and use an electric motor and motor controller instead of an internal combustion engine for propulsion. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are typically electric vehicles that use fuel cells instead of batteries, or in combination with batteries or supercapacitors to power an onboard rotating electric machine. Fuel cells in vehicles typically generate electricity using oxygen from the air and compressed hydrogen to power the motor.

[0263] The term "vehicle" refers to any mobile or fixed platform, wherein mobile platforms are preferred. In particular, the vehicle is selected from a passenger vehicle, a light or heavy truck, a utility vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, an industrial or warehouse vehicle, or a recreational off-road vehicle.

[0264] Lubrication of mechanical devices in electric vehicles can refer to lubrication of powertrain, drivetrain, transmission, differential, gear, gear train, gear set, gearbox, bearing, bushing, shaft, turbine, compressor, pump, hydraulic system, battery, capacitor, motor, drive motor, generator, AC / DC converter, alternator, transformer, kinetic energy converter, kinetic energy recovery system. A single lubricant or more than one lubricant can be used in an electric vehicle, for example, one lubricant composition is used for the transmission and another lubricant composition is used for another component of the vehicle system.

[0265] The invention further relates to the use of alkoxylated alcohols for increasing the breakdown voltage of lubricants comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons.

[0266] Preferably, the lubricant comprising the alkoxylated alcohol has a breakdown voltage that is at least 100, 500, 1000, 2000 or 5000 V higher than a lubricant that does not contain the alkoxylated alcohol.

[0267] Preferably, the use of alkoxylated alcohols for increasing the breakdown voltage of lubricants comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons is for use in electric vehicles.

[0268] The invention also relates to the use of an alkoxylated alcohol in a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons for reducing electrical discharge machining.

[0269] Examples

[0270] Basestock A: API Class III basestock, YUBASE 3 from SK Lubricants Ltd, clear liquid hydrocarbon, mineral oil, kinematic viscosity at 40°C (ASTM D445) 12,4 mm 2 / s, 3,1mm at 100℃ 2 / s, viscosity index is 112 (ASTM D2270), sulfur content is <10ppm (ASTM D2622).

[0271] Basestock B: API Class III basestock, YUBASE 6 from SK Lubricants, clear liquid hydrocarbon, mineral oil, kinematic viscosity at 40°C (ASTM D445) 36,8 mm 2 / s, 6,5mm at 100°C 2 / s, viscosity index is 131 (ASTM D2270), sulfur content is <10ppm (ASTM D2622).

[0272] Additive Package: An additive package was added, containing the following types of commercial additives: Antioxidants, Antiwear Additives, Corrosion Inhibitors, Metal Passivators, Silicone Oil.

[0273] Polyalphaolefin 150: highly branched isoparaffinic polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity of 1719 mm at 40°C 2 / s, 156mm at 100℃ 2 / s, Synfluid mPAO150cST from Chevron Phillips.

[0274] Polymethacrylates: Polyalkyl methacrylate viscosity index improvers with linear and branched C 12-15 Alkyl, permanent shear stability index of about 20 (20h KRL; measured according to CEC L-45-99).

[0275] Alkoxylate A: Liquid alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is polytetrahydrofuran (molar weight of about 650 g / mol), randomly alkoxylated with 12 equivalents of dodecyl epoxide and 20 equivalents of propylene oxide, with a kinematic viscosity at 40°C (ASTM D445) of about 320-350 mm 2 / s.

[0276] Example 1

[0277] Lubricants A, B and C were prepared from base stock A, additive package (concentration of 1.1 wt%), and base stock B, polymethacrylate (comparative), polyalphaolefin 150 (comparative) or alkoxylate A in the amounts given in Table 1. The amounts of base stock B, polymethacrylate, polyalphaolefin 150 and alkoxylate A were adjusted to achieve a KV100 of 5 mm for the final lubricant. 2 / s.

[0278] The kinematic viscosity at 40° C. (KV40) and at 100° C. (KV100) is determined according to ASTM D445. The viscosity index VI is calculated from these data. The water content of the final lubricant is determined by the Karl-Fischer method (DIN 517771 / ASTM D 1744). The breakdown voltage of the final lubricant is determined by DIN EN 60156 (“Insulating liquids-Determination of the breakdown voltage at power frequency-Test method”).

[0279] The results are summarized in Table 1 and show that the breakdown voltage is improved for Lubricant E. A high breakdown voltage is advantageous because the lubricant acts as an insulator.

[0280] Comparative Lubricant A has a very low water content of 20 ppm. Typically, in hydrocarbons with low water content, the breakdown voltage increases, which is also observed when comparing Comparative Lubricants C and D. Unexpectedly, Lubricant E has a higher breakdown voltage despite having a higher water content of 300 ppm.

[0281] Table 1

[0282]

[0283]

[0284] a) Comparative Examples

[0285] Example 2

[0286] According to R. Pelz et al., "Charakterisierung von E-Fluiden von der Laboranalytikbis zum Prüfstand [Electronic Fluid Characterization from Laboratory Analysis to Test Bench]", MTZ-Motorentechnische Zeitschrift [Engine Technology Magazine], 2021(10), pp. 46-50, the EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) currents of lubricants A, B and C from Example 1 were analyzed on a test bench where a common mode voltage was applied to the rotating bearing and the resulting bearing currents were recorded. The temperature was varied from 30° C. to 80° C. and the common mode voltage was varied between 5, 10 and 20 volts.

[0287] The results are summarized in Table 2 and show that the total EDM current was reduced for Lubricant C. Reduced total EDM current is beneficial because EDM current can cause bearing damage.

[0288] Table 2: EDM current [1 / s] is in bold, Ohmic current [1 / s] is in italics.

[0289]

[0290] Table 2 (continued)

[0291]

Claims

1. A method for lubricating a mechanical device in an electric vehicle, the method comprising the step of contacting a lubricant with the mechanical device, wherein the lubricant comprises: - a base material selected from hydrocarbons, -50 to 1000 ppm water, and - alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic Epoxide Alkoxylation of Epoxides.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The hydrophobic epoxide is selected from butylene oxide, dodecyl oxide, or a mixture thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The alcohol is alkoxylated with the hydrophobic epoxide and optionally additionally with propylene oxide.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The alcohol is selected from C1-C 22 Monoalcohol, C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetrahydrofuran or C3-C 12 Polyols.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The lubricant comprises 2 to 50 wt%, preferably 10 to 25 wt% of the alkoxylated alcohol.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: These hydrocarbons are selected from API Group I, II, III or IV base stocks, or mixtures thereof.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: This lubricant does not contain API Group V base stocks.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The breakdown voltage of this base material is up to 500 volts.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The alkoxylated alcohol is an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran having the general formula (I) in m is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤50, m' is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤50, (m+m') is an integer in the range of ≥1 to ≤90, n is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤75, n' is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤75, p is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤75, p' is an integer in the range of ≥0 to ≤75, k is an integer in the range of ≥2 to ≤30, R 1 represents an unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl group having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 carbon atoms, R 2 represents -CH2-CH3, and R 3 The same or different, represents a hydrogen atom or -CH3, The tandem bodies represented by k are distributed to form a block polymer structure, and the tandem bodies represented by p, p', n, n', m and m' are distributed to form a block polymer structure or a random polymer structure.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The lubricant comprises at least 50 wt% of the base stock.

11. A lubricant as defined in the preceding claims, comprising - a base stock selected from hydrocarbons selected from base stocks of API group I, II or III, -50 to 1000 ppm water, and - alkoxylated alcohol, wherein the alcohol is selected from C4-C 20 Hydrophobic epoxide alkoxylation of epoxides, and wherein the alcohol is selected from C2-C 12 glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol.

12. Use of an alkoxylated alcohol as defined in the preceding claim for increasing the breakdown voltage of a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons.

13. The use according to claim 12, wherein The lubricant comprising the alkoxylated alcohol has a breakdown voltage that is at least 100 V higher than a lubricant not containing the alkoxylated alcohol.

14. Use according to claim 12 or 13 in an electric vehicle.

15. Use of an alkoxylated alcohol as defined in the preceding claim in a lubricant comprising a base stock selected from hydrocarbons for reducing electrical discharge machining.

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