Vehicle driveline lubricant composition

Abstract

Group II extra heavy base stock oils can be used in lubricant compositions with improved performance. For example, a lubricant composition can include: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a Group II extra heavy base stock, and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra heavy base stock has: a kinematic viscosity of 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40 °C), a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100 °C), a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270), a pour point of -6 °C or less (ASTM D97), and a saturates content of 90 wt% or greater (ASTM D7419).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to lubricant compositions, and in particular lubricant compositions for use in vehicle transmission system components. Background Technology

[0002] When used in the power generation and transmission machinery of vehicles, vehicle transmission system lubricants offer various functions beyond lubrication, including cleaning and cooling the vehicle components. With the increasing use of electric vehicles, today's lubricants may also have other functions, including controlling the electrical conductivity of components.

[0003] Conventionally, the American Petroleum Institute (API) defines lubricants (e.g., lubricating oils) as Groups I through V. The API defines Group I oil bases as solvent-refined mineral oils; Group I oil bases contain the fewest saturates and the highest amount of sulfur and typically have the lowest viscosity index. Group I generally defines the lowest level of lubricant performance. Groups II and III oil bases are high viscosity index and very high viscosity index bases, respectively. Group III oil bases typically contain fewer unsaturates and less sulfur than Group II oils. Group IV oil bases consist of polyalphaolefins, which are produced via catalytic oligomerization of linear alpha-olefins (LAO). Group V includes all other oil bases not included in Groups I through IV; Group V bases include ester-based or ester-derived lubricants. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The non-limiting example compositions disclosed herein may comprise: about 1% to about 50% by weight of a Group II extra-heavy base oil, and about 50% to about 99% by weight of a polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has: a kinematic viscosity of 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C), a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C), a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270), a pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and a saturate content of 90% by weight or greater (ASTM D7419).

[0005] Non-limiting examples of the methods disclosed herein may include: lubricating a transmission system component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition comprising: about 1% to about 50% by weight of a Group II extra-heavy base oil, and about 50% to about 99% by weight of a polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has: a kinematic viscosity of 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C), a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C), a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270), a pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and a saturation content of 90% by weight or greater (ASTM D7419).

[0006] These and other features and properties of the disclosed compositions and methods, and their advantageous applications and / or uses, will become apparent from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To assist those skilled in the art in making and using this subject matter, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure and should not be considered an exclusive configuration. The disclosed subject matter is capable of numerous modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1A-1C This is a graph showing the results of the Brookfield viscosity test on the experimental sample.

[0009] Figure 2A-2C This is a graph showing the pour point test results of the experimental samples.

[0010] Figures 3A-3C This is a graph showing the results of the tribological test (40℃) of the experimental sample.

[0011] Figures 4A-4C This is a graph showing the results of the tribological test (60℃) of the experimental sample.

[0012] Figures 5A-5C This is a graph showing the results of the tribological test (80℃) of the experimental sample.

[0013] Figures 6A-6C This is a graph showing the Noack volatility test results (250℃) of the experimental sample. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This application relates to lubricant compositions, and in particular lubricant compositions for use in vehicle transmission system components.

[0015] The lubricant compositions disclosed herein may have properties that improve performance (especially sustained performance under extreme conditions, such as low temperatures) compared to conventional formulations. The lubricant compositions disclosed herein may have properties that enable such performance.

[0016] The lubricant compositions of this disclosure may have a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt, or about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt, or about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt, or about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C). The lubricant compositions of this disclosure may have a pour point of about -40°C or lower, or about -50°C or lower, or about -40°C to about -100°C, or about -50°C to about -100°C (ASTM D5949). The lubricant compositions of this disclosure may have a Brinell viscosity of about 8000 cP or lower, or about 3000 cP or lower, or about 50 cP to about 8000 cP, or about 50 cP to about 5000 cP, or about 50 cP to about 3000 cP (ASTM D2983, -40°C).

[0017] The lubricant composition may also possess certain tribological properties that allow for improved lubrication efficiency, including, but not limited to, a lower coefficient of traction (TC) and / or a lower peak TC at the same slip-to-roll ratio (SRR) compared to conventional lubricant compositions. The lubricant compositions of this disclosure may have a peak TC measured by a miniature traction machine (MTM) of less than about 0.050, or less than about 0.045, or less than about 0.040, or less than about 0.035, or less than about 0.030, or about 0.001 to about 0.050, or about 0.001 to about 0.045, or about 0.001 to about 0.040. As used herein, “coefficient of traction” and its variants refer to the ratio of normal force to lateral force generated by the lubricant composition. As used herein, “peak traction coefficient,” “peak TC,” and their variants refer to the maximum measured TC value of the lubricant composition measured in an MTM test. Typically, under MTM testing, the TC value of the lubricant composition increases to a peak and then decreases.

[0018] As used herein, “weight%” means percentage by weight, “volume%” means percentage by volume, “molar%” means percentage by mole, “ppm” means parts per million, and “ppm wt” and “wppm” are used interchangeably and mean parts per million based on weight. Unless otherwise stated, all concentrations herein are based on the total amount of the compositions discussed.

[0019] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a substance comprising any two or more identical or different repeating units / monomer units or units. The term "homopolymer" as used herein refers to a polymer having identical units. The term "copolymer" as used herein refers to a polymer having two or more different types of units and includes terpolymers, etc. The term "terpolymer" as used herein refers to a polymer having three different types of units. The term "different" as used herein, when referring to units, indicates that the units are different from each other at at least one atom or are isomerically different. Similarly, as used herein, the definition of a polymer includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, etc.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "oil base stock," "oilbasestock," "base oil," or simply "base stock," and their grammatical variations, refer to any base fluid that can be used in lubricants, including but not limited to terpenes, mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons, esters, analogs, or any combination thereof. Oil base stocks as described herein may include Group I, II, III, IV, and V base oils (as defined by the American Petroleum Institute [API]), including any combination thereof.

[0021] This disclosure includes methods and compositions relating to lubricants comprising Group II base oils and also comprising Group IV base oils.

[0022] The lubricant composition disclosed herein may comprise about 1% to about 50% by weight, or about 1% to about 20% by weight, or about 1% to about 15% by weight, or about 20% to about 50% by weight, or about 35% to about 50% by weight, or about 40% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. Furthermore, the lubricant composition disclosed herein may comprise about 50% to about 99% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 50% to about 65% by weight, or about 60% to about 99% by weight, or about 70% to about 99% by weight, or about 80% to about 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0023] Suitable Group II base oils, including Group II extra-heavy base oils, may have a kinematic viscosity of 300 cSt to 600 cSt (or 320 cSt to 520 cSt, or 380 cSt to 520 cSt, or 450 cSt to 520 cSt) (ASTM D445-21, 100°C) and a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 40 cSt (or 22 cSt to 36 cSt, or 27 cSt to 36 cSt, or 32 cSt to 36 cSt). Suitable Group II base oils may have a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (or 95 to 115) (ASTM D2270). Suitable base oils may have a pour point of -35°C to -6°C (or -35°C to -15°C, or -6°C or lower, or -15°C or lower) (IP 15 or ASTM D97). Suitable Group II base oils may have a saturate content of 90 wt% or more (or 90 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 95 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 90 wt% to 99 wt%, or 95 wt% to 99 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99 wt%, or 95 wt% or more, or 98 wt% or more, or 99 wt% or more) (ASTM D7419). Other characteristics of suitable Group II heavy base oils may include, but are not limited to: base oil color (ASTM D6045) of L1.5 to L0.5 (or L1.5 to L1.0, or L1.0 to L0.5); carbon residue (ASTM D4530) of 0.0001% to 0.1% by mass, or 0.001% to 0.01% by mass, or 0% to 0.1% by mass, or 0% to 0.01% by mass, or 0.1% by mass or less, or 0.01% by mass or less; cloud point (ASTM D2500) of -60°C to -2°C, or -60°C to -30°C, or -30°C to -2°C, or -2°C or less, or -30°C or less, or -60°C or less; flash point (ASTM D2500) of 0.00% to 0.01% by mass, or 0.01% by mass or less; and flash point (ASTM D2500) of 0.00% to 0.01% by mass, or 0.01% by mass or less. D92) is 250°C to 300°C, or 250°C to 275°C, or 275°C to 300°C, or 250°C or higher. Preferred Group II base oils may include those marketed under the trademark EHC. TM (including but not limited to EHC340 MAX) TM Those acquired through commercial purchases (ExxonMobil Chemicals).

[0024] Furthermore, the Group IV base oils relevant to this disclosure may include any suitable synthetic oils, such as polyalphaolefins and inter-polyolefins (e.g., polybutene, polypropylene, propylene-isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-olefin copolymers, and ethylene-alpha olefin copolymers). Polyalpha olefin (PAO) oil base oils are commonly used synthetic hydrocarbon oils. As an example, PAOs derived from C8, C10, C12, C14 olefins or mixtures thereof may be used. See U.S. Patent Nos. 4,956,122; 4,827,064; and 4,827,073.

[0025] PAO (which is a known material and is generally available on a major commercial scale (e.g., from companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, BP, and others)) typically has a number-average molecular weight of about 250 to about 3,000, although PAO with a viscosity of up to about 150 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C) can be produced. PAO typically comprises a relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymer or oligomer of an α-olefin, including but not limited to, C2 to about C32 α-olefins, preferably C8 to about C16 α-olefins, such as 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, etc. Preferred polyα-olefins are poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene, and poly-1-dodecene, mixtures thereof, and polyolefins derived from mixed olefins. However, dimers of higher-grade olefins in the C14 to C18 range can be used to provide low-viscosity base oils with acceptable low volatility. Depending on the viscosity grade and starting oligomer, PAO can be primarily trimers and tetramers of the starting olefin, with small amounts of higher-grade oligomers, having a kinematic viscosity range of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C). Particularly useful PAO fluids may include those having a kinematic viscosity of about 1.5 cSt to about 2.0 cSt, or about 3.0 cSt to about 3.6 cSt, or about 1.7 cSt, or about 2.0 cSt, or about 3.0 cSt, or about 3.4 cSt, or about 3.6 cSt, including combinations thereof. If desired, mixtures of PAO fluids having a viscosity range of 1.5 cSt to about 150 cSt or greater may be used. Preferred PAOs may include those that can be marketed under the trade name SHF. TM SUPERSYN TM and SPECTRASYN TM Those purchased commercially from ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

[0026] PAO fluids can be conveniently prepared by polymerizing α-olefins in the presence of a polymerization catalyst, such as a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, comprising, for example, aluminum trichloride, boron trifluoride, or a complex of boron trifluoride with water, an alcohol such as ethanol, propanol, or butanol, or a carboxylic acid or ester such as ethyl acetate or ethyl propionate. For example, the methods disclosed herein can be conveniently used, for instance, by U.S. Patent Nos. 4,149,178 or 3,382,291. Other descriptions of PAO synthesis can be found in the following U.S. Patent Nos. 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,876,720; 4,239,930; 4,367,352; 4,413,156; 4,434,408; 4,910,355; 4,956,122; and 5,068,487. Dimers of C14 to C18 olefins are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,218,330.

[0027] Lubricant compositions may also include other lubricant performance additives known in the art, such as corrosion inhibitors, rust inhibitors, metal passivators, extreme pressure additives, anti-galling agents, wax modifiers, viscosity modifiers, filtration additives, sealing compatibilizers, friction modifiers, lubricants, antifouling agents, chromophoric agents, defoamers, demulsifiers, emulsifiers, thickeners, wetting agents, gelling agents, adhesives, colorants, and others. For a review of many commonly used additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0-89573-177-0. Also see MWRanney, “Lubricant Additives,” published by Noyes Data Corporation of Parkridge, NJ (1973), and U.S. Patent No. 7,704,930, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. These additives are typically delivered with varying amounts of diluent oil, which may be, for example, from about 5% to about 50% by weight. When a lubricant composition contains one or more of the above-mentioned additives, the additive(s) may be blended into a “concentrate,” “premix,” or “slurry” to allow for further use when blending fully formulated lubricants.

[0028] The lubricant compositions of this disclosure can be suitably used for the lubrication of any drivetrain components of a vehicle. The methods of this disclosure may include lubricating drivetrain components of a vehicle with the lubricant compositions described above. The vehicles of this disclosure may include electric vehicles. As used herein, "electric vehicle" and its grammatical variations may refer to a motor vehicle having the ability to power at least partially its driving motion using an electric motor. The relevant drivetrain components used for lubrication in this disclosure may include, for example, but not limited to, transmissions, crankcases, drive shafts, the like, or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will be able to utilize the lubricant compositions of this disclosure.

[0029] To facilitate a better understanding of embodiments of the invention, examples of preferred or representative embodiments are provided below. These examples should not be construed as limiting or restricting the scope of the invention.

[0030] Additional implementation plan

[0031] Implementation Scheme 1. A lubricant composition comprising: about 1% to about 50% by weight of a Group II extra-heavy base oil, and about 50% to about 99% by weight of a polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has: a kinematic viscosity of 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C), a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C), a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270), a pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and a saturation content of 90% by weight or greater (ASTM D7419).

[0032] Implementation Scheme 2. The lubricant composition according to Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 1% to about 30% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

[0033] Implementation Scheme 3. The lubricant composition according to Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 25% to about 50% of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

[0034] Implementation Scheme 4. The lubricant composition according to Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 5% to about 35% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

[0035] Implementation Scheme 5. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-4, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0036] Implementation Scheme 6. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0037] Implementation Scheme 7. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0038] Implementation Scheme 8. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0039] Implementation Scheme 9. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-8, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -40°C or lower (ASTM D5949).

[0040] Implementation Scheme 10. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-9, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -50°C or lower (ASTM D5949).

[0041] Implementation Scheme 11. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-10, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brinell viscosity of about 8000 cP or less (ASTM D2983, -40°C).

[0042] Implementation Scheme 12. A lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-11, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brinell viscosity of about 3000 cP or less (ASTM D2983, -40°C).

[0043] Implementation Scheme 13. The lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-12, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) of less than about 0.040 as measured by a miniature traction machine (MTM).

[0044] Implementation Scheme 14. The lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-13, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has: a kinematic viscosity of 450 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C), a kinematic viscosity of 32 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C), a pour point of -15°C or lower (ASTM D97), and a saturation content of 95% by weight or greater (ASTM D7419).

[0045] Implementation Scheme 15. The lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-14, wherein the polyα-olefin has a kinematic viscosity of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0046] Implementation Scheme 16. A lubricant for a vehicle transmission system, comprising a lubricant composition according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1-14.

[0047] Implementation Scheme 17. A method comprising: lubricating a transmission system component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition, said lubricant composition comprising: about 1% to about 50% by weight of a Group II extra-heavy base oil, and about 50% to about 99% by weight of a polyalphaolefin, wherein said Group II extra-heavy base oil has: a kinematic viscosity of 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C), a kinematic viscosity of 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C), a viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270), a pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and a saturation content of 90% by weight or greater (ASTM D7419).

[0048] Implementation Scheme 18. The method according to Implementation Scheme 17, wherein the means of transport includes an electric vehicle.

[0049] Implementation Scheme 19. The method according to Implementation Scheme 17 or 18, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

[0050] Implementation Scheme 20. The method according to any one of Implementation Schemes 17-19, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) of less than about 0.040 as measured by a miniature traction machine (MTM).

[0051] Example

[0052] Experiment 1: Preparation

[0053] Example lubricant compositions were formed in three distinct regions: A, B, and C, having kinematic viscosities of approximately 3.62 cSt, approximately 6.4 cSt, and approximately 4.1 cSt, respectively (ASTM H445, 100°C). Each region includes comparative example compositions (CE-A, CE-B, and CE-C, respectively) of conventional lubricant compositions. The compositions for regions A, B, and C are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below. YUBASE®3 and YUBASE®6 are API Group III lubricant base oils available from SK Enmove. GTL 4 is a Group III lubricant base oil available from Shell. PAO 2, PAO 2C, and SPECTRASYN 3.5 MAX™ are Group IV lubricant base oils available from ExxonMobil Chemicals. EHC 340 MAX™ is a Group II extra-heavyweight lubricant base oil available from ExxonMobil Chemicals.

[0054] Table 1. Compositions in Region A

[0055]

[0056] Table 2. Compositions in Region B

[0057]

[0058] Table 3. Compositions in Region C

[0059]

[0060] Experiment 2: Brinell viscosity

[0061] The Brinell viscosity of the sample formulation at -40°C was tested according to ASTM D2983. Results for regions A, B, and C are shown below. Figure 1A , 1B In 1C. As shown, in all regions, the sample formulation exhibited significantly lower Brinell viscosity compared to the corresponding comparative examples.

[0062] Experiment 3: Pour Point

[0063] The pour point of the sample formulation was tested according to ASTM D5949. The results for regions A, B, and C are shown below. Figure 2A , 2B In 2C, as shown, in all regions, the sample formulations exhibited significantly higher pour points compared to the corresponding comparative examples (CE-A, CE-B, and CE-C).

[0064] Experiment 4: Tribological Testing of Miniature Traction Machine (MTM)

[0065] The tribological characteristics of the sample formulations were tested using an MTM manufactured by PCS Instruments under a standard test procedure. The standard test procedure included measuring the coefficient of traction (TC) of the sample within a slip-to-roll ratio (SRR) range of 0 to 100.

[0066] Samples were tested at 40℃, 60℃, and 80℃. The results for regions A, B, and C at 40℃ are shown below. Figure 3A , 3B In 3C, as shown, in all regions at 40°C, compared with the corresponding comparative examples, the sample formulations had overall equal or lower TC values ​​and lower peak TC values ​​at the same SRR. Results for regions A, B, and C at 60°C are shown below. Figure 4A , 4B In 4C, as shown, in all regions at 60°C, compared with the corresponding comparative examples, the sample formulations had overall equal or lower TC values ​​and lower peak TC values ​​at the same SRR. Results for regions A, B, and C at 80°C are shown below. Figure 5A , 5B In 5C. As shown, in all regions at 80°C, compared with the corresponding comparative examples, the sample formulations had overall equal or lower TC values ​​and lower peak TC values ​​at the same SRR.

[0067] Experiment 5: Noack Volatility Test

[0068] The Noack volatility (evaporation loss) of the sample formulations was tested at 200°C and 250°C according to ASTM D6375. The results for regions A, B, and C at 250°C are shown below. Figure 6A , 6B And in 6C, and the results are also shown in Table 4 below.

[0069] Table 4. Noack volatility test results

[0070]

[0071] Experiment 6: Viscosity and Density Measurement

[0072] The kinematic viscosity of the sample formulations was tested at 100°C and 40°C according to ASTM D445, and the viscosity index was subsequently calculated from this. Furthermore, the density of the sample formulations was tested at 15.6°C, 70°C, and 100°C according to ASTM D4052. The viscosity and density measurements for regions A, B, and C are shown in Tables 4, 5, and 6 below, respectively.

[0073] Table 5. Calculation of viscosity and density of samples from region A

[0074]

[0075] Table 6. Calculation of viscosity and density of samples from region B

[0076]

[0077] Table 7. Calculation of viscosity and density of samples in region C

[0078]

[0079] Experiment 6: Flash Point Test

[0080] The flash point of the sample formulation was tested using MiniFlash according to ASTM D6450. The results for regions A, B, and C are shown in Table 8 below.

[0081] Table 8. Flash Point Test Results

[0082]

[0083] Therefore, the present invention is well suited to achieving the foregoing objects and advantages, and those inherent therein. The specific examples and configurations disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the invention can be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have benefited from the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitation is intended on the details of the constructions or designs shown herein, except as set forth in the following claims. Thus, it will be apparent that the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be changed, combined, or modified, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. The inventions illustratively disclosed herein can be suitably practiced in the absence of any elements not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional elements disclosed herein. Although compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods may also be “substantially composed of various components and steps” or “composed of various components and steps.” All numbers and ranges disclosed above can have a certain amount of variation. Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any number falling within that range and any included range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values ​​disclosed herein (in the form of “about a to about b,” or equivalently “about a to b,” or equivalently “about ab”) should be understood as listing each number and range covered within a broader range of values. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee, the terms in the claims have their ordinary, common meaning. Additionally, the indefinite articles “a” or “an” used in the claims are defined herein as intended to refer to one or more of the elements they introduce.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, all figures relating to the quantity and properties of expressed components, such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc., as used in this specification and the appended claims should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and the appended claims are approximations, which may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained through embodiments of the invention. At least, and without attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalence to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be interpreted at least based on the number of reported significant figures and by applying common rounding techniques.

[0085] This document presents one or more illustrative embodiments incorporating one or more elements of the invention. For clarity, not all features of the physical implementation are described or shown. It should be understood that in developing physical embodiments incorporating one or more elements of the invention, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's objectives, such as compliance with system-related, business-related, governmental-related, and other constraints that change with implementation and over time. While the developer's efforts may be time-consuming, such efforts will be routine work for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0086] Although this document describes compositions and methods using the term "comprising" various components or steps, the compositions and methods may also be described as "consisting substantially of various components and steps" or "comprised of various components and steps".

Claims

1. A lubricant composition comprising: The group II extra-heavy base oil comprises about 1% to about 50% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil and about 50% to about 99% by weight of polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has the following characteristics: Kinematic viscosity from 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C) Kinematic viscosity from 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C) Viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270) Pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and 90% by weight or greater saturated content (ASTM D7419).

2. The lubricant composition according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 1% to about 30% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

3. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 25% to about 50% of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

4. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 5% to about 35% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil.

5. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

6. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

7. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

8. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

9. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -40°C or lower (ASTM D5949).

10. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -50°C or lower (ASTM D5949).

11. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brinell viscosity of about 8000 cP or less (ASTM D2983, -40°C).

12. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brinell viscosity of about 3000 cP or less (ASTM D2983, -40°C).

13. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) of less than about 0.040 as measured by a miniature traction machine (MTM).

14. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil comprises: Kinematic viscosity from 450 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C) Kinematic viscosity from 32 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C) Pour point of -15°C or lower (ASTM D97), and 95% by weight or greater saturated content (ASTM D7419).

15. The lubricant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

16. A lubricant for a vehicle transmission system, comprising a lubricant composition according to any one of claims 1-15.

17. A method, comprising: A lubricant composition is used to lubricate transmission system components of a vehicle, the lubricant composition comprising: The group II extra-heavy base oil comprises about 1% to about 50% by weight of Group II extra-heavy base oil and about 50% to about 99% by weight of polyalphaolefin, wherein the Group II extra-heavy base oil has the following characteristics: Kinematic viscosity from 320 cSt to 520 cSt (ASTM D445, 40°C) Kinematic viscosity from 22 cSt to 36 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C) Viscosity index of 80 to 119 (ASTM D2270) Pour point of -6°C or lower (ASTM D97), and 90% by weight or greater saturated content (ASTM D7419).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the means of transport includes an electric vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C).

20. The method of claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) of less than about 0.040 as measured by a miniature traction machine (MTM).

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