Fuel-efficient, shear-stable axle lubricant

Abstract

A lubricant composition comprising a polyalphaolefin base oil component in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, and a thickener in an amount of up to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, the lubricant composition having a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, respectively, measured according to ASTM D445.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,970, filed October 1, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to lubricant compositions. [Background technology]

[0003] Lubricant compositions are generally required to have a number of performance characteristics that relate to the performance of the lubricant composition itself and / or the equipment (e.g., vehicle) in which the lubricant composition is used. In recent years, market forces and government regulations have placed renewed emphasis on vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, i.e., CO2 emissions. Thus, there remains an opportunity to develop lubricant compositions that improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a lubricant composition. The lubricant composition includes a polyalphaolefin base oil component and a thickener. The polyalphaolefin base oil component may be included in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight, and the thickener may be included in an amount up to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, and the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, respectively, measured according to. The lubricant composition may include a second thickener. The lubricant composition may also include a diester. The lubricant composition may also include an additive package containing at least one additive selected from the group of antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, foam control additives, extreme pressure additives, antiwear additives, detergents, and viscosity index improvers, but the lubricant composition is substantially free of dispersants. The lubricant composition may be an axle lubricant. The lubricant composition may include a second thickener in an amount up to about 5% by weight. The second thickener may be polyisobutene. The lubricant composition may include an ester in an amount up to about 35% by weight. The lubricant composition may also include an antifoaming agent in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides an axle lubricant comprising a polyalphaolefin base oil component and a thickener, the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprising a Type IV base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, respectively, as measured in accordance with ASTM D445. The axle lubricant may have a viscosity index of about 150 to about 200, as measured in accordance with ASTM D2270. The axle lubricant may comprise the polyalphaolefin base oil component in an amount of 30% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant. The axle lubricant may comprise a thickener in an amount of up to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a bar graph illustrating the axle efficiency of certain embodiments of the lubricant composition. [Figure 2a]FIG. 2a is a bar graph showing the greenhouse gas emissions of certain embodiments of the lubricant composition. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is another bar graph showing the greenhouse gas emissions of certain embodiments of the lubricant composition. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bar graph illustrating the fuel economy of certain embodiments of the lubricant composition. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the shear stability of the lubricant composition of the present application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the shear stability of the present lubricant composition with commercially available compositions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Throughout this specification, for example, references to "one embodiment," "a particular embodiment," "one or more embodiments," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "a particular embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0008] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an axle" includes one axle as well as two or more axles.

[0009] As used herein, the term "about" in connection with a measurand refers to normal variation in that measurand that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the purpose of the measurement and the precision of the measurement device. In certain embodiments, the term "about" includes the referenced number ±10%, so that "about 10" includes 9 to 11.

[0010] The term "at least about" in relation to a measurand refers to normal variations in that measurand and any measurand higher than that measurand, as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the purpose of the measurement and the precision of the measurement device. In certain embodiments, the term "at least about" includes the recited number minus 10% and any amount higher, such that "at least about 10" includes 9 and any amount higher than 9. The term can also be expressed as "about 10 or more." Similarly, the term "less than about" typically includes the recited number plus 10% and any amount lower, such that "less than about 10" includes 11 and any amount lower than 11. The term can also be expressed as "less than about 10."

[0011] All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated. Weight percent (wt %) is based on total composition without volatiles, i.e., solids, unless otherwise indicated.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a lubricant composition. The lubricant composition can be utilized in various lubricating applications, and is particularly useful as a lubricant for axles, transmissions (manual or automatic), transfer cases, power take-offs, transaxles, and bearings / wheels. That is, the lubricant composition can be used in both light and heavy axles.

[0013] The lubricant composition comprises a polyalphaolefin base oil component. In one or more embodiments, the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprises a Group IV base oil and is a fully synthetic oil. In other embodiments, the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprises a Group I, II, III, IV or V base oil. The polyalphaolefin base oil component can be produced by a synthetic process, in which olefins are used to produce the polyalphaolefin base oil. In at least one embodiment, the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the lubricant composition comprises from about 30% to about 70% by weight of the polyalphaolefin base oil component, or any individual value or subrange therein, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, or from about 50% to about 60% by weight of the polyalphaolefin base oil component.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C., as measured according to American Society for Testing and Materials ("ASTM") D445, of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt, alternatively about 9 cSt to about 12 cSt. The kinematic viscosity at 100° C. can also be about 5 cSt, about 6 cSt, about 7 cSt, about 8 cSt, about 9 cSt, about 10 cSt, about 11 cSt, about 12 cSt, about 13 cSt, about 14 cSt, or about 14 cSt. For purposes of this disclosure, references to kinematic viscosity should be understood to be kinematic viscosity as measured by ASTM D445.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the lubricant composition also has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C., as measured according to ASTM D445, of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, or about 40 cSt to about 60 cSt. In other embodiments, the kinematic viscosity at 40° C. can be about 30 cSt, about 35 cSt, about 40 cSt, about 45 cSt, about 50 cSt, about 55 cSt, about 60 cSt, about 65 cSt, or about 70 cSt.

[0017] The kinematic viscosity of a lubricant composition affects the viscosity index and thus the low and high temperature operating ranges of the product.

[0018] The lubricant composition may typically have a viscosity index, as measured in accordance with ASTM D2270, of from about 150 to about 200. Alternatively, the lubricant composition may have a viscosity index of from about 160 to about 190, or from about 170 to about 180. For purposes of this disclosure, references to viscosity index should be understood to be to the viscosity index as measured by ASTM D2270.

[0019] The kinematic viscosity and viscosity index of the lubricant composition make the lubricant composition useful for lubricating the axles of a vehicle, and therefore the lubricant composition can also be referred to as an axle lubricant.Similarly, the kinematic viscosity and viscosity index of the lubricant composition make the lubricant composition useful for lubricating transmissions (i.e., manual or automatic), transfer cases, transaxles, power take-offs (PTOs), and bearings / wheels.In addition, those skilled in the art will also understand that the kinematic viscosity of the lubricant composition may make the lubricant composition unsuitable for some applications, such as rotary screw compressor lubricants.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the lubricant composition has an API gravity, as measured according to ASTM D4052, of about 20 to 40. In at least one embodiment, the lubricant composition can have an API gravity of about 25 to about 40. In other embodiments, the lubricant composition can have an API gravity of about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, or about 40.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the lubricant composition may have a Brookfield® viscosity at −40° C., as measured according to ASTM D2983, of about 10,000 cP to about 20,000 cP. In at least one embodiment, the lubricant composition may have a Brookfield® viscosity at −40° C. of about 11,000 cP to about 19,000 cP, about 12,000 cP to about 18,000 cP, about 13,000 cP to about 17,000 cP, or about 14,000 cP to about 16,000 cP.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -40° C. to about -55° C., or about -40° C., or about -45° C. In at least one embodiment, the lubricant composition has a pour point of about -42° C.

[0023] The lubricant composition may further include a thickening agent. The thickening agent may be present in an amount of about 0% to about 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the thickening agent may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight, about 5% to about 20% by weight, about 7.5% to about 17.5% by weight, or about 10% to about 15% by weight, or any range, subrange, or value therein.

[0024] The thickener can be an olefin copolymer (OCP), a polymethacrylate (PMA), a polyisobutene (PIB), an oil soluble polyalkyl glycol (PAG) (OSP), or a high viscosity polyalphaolefin (PAO).

[0025] The thickener may have a kinematic viscosity of about 100 to about 150 cSt at 100° C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 1000 to about 1200 cSt at 40° C. The viscosity index of the thickener may be about 200 to about 250. The density of the thickener may be about 0.9 g / cm 3In some embodiments, the thickener can have a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of about 105 to about 145 cSt, about 110 to about 140 cSt, about 115 to about 135 cSt, or about 120 cSt to about 130 cSt, and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of about 1050 to about 1150 cSt, or about 1100 to about 1125 cSt, or any range, subrange, or value therein.

[0026] The lubricant composition may further include a second thickener. The second thickener may be included in an amount of about 0% to about 15% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the second thickener may be included in an amount of about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the second thickener may be included in an amount of about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The second thickener may be polyisobutene. The polyisobutene may be of low molecular weight. The molecular weight of the polyisobutene may be of about 2,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the polyisobutene may be of about 2,300 g / mol.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition may also include an antifoaming agent. The antifoaming agent may be a silicon-based or ester-based antifoaming agent. The antifoaming agent may be present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the antifoaming agent may be present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 0.75% by weight, about 0.001% to about 0.5% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition may also include an ester, which may be present in an amount of about 0% to about 40% by weight, about 10% to about 30% by weight, or about 15% to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ester can be a dipropylheptanol diester of adipic acid in an amount of about 15% to about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, in other embodiments, the ester can also be an adipic acid ester, a polyol ester, or a trimethylolpropane ester.

[0030] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition may also include additives, which may be included in an amount of about 0% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lubricant composition is generally used to lubricate the axles, transmissions (i.e., manual or automatic), transfer cases, transaxles, power take-offs (PTOs), and / or bearings / wheels of a vehicle while achieving improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the combination of the polyalphaolefin base oil component and the thickener results in improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, it is believed that the combination of the chemistry and kinematic viscosity of the lubricant composition provides the lubricant composition with excellent low temperature and high temperature properties, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the lubricant composition when it is used to lubricate the above-mentioned components of a vehicle.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the lubricant compositions exhibit improved fuel efficiency as compared to conventional lubricants. In certain embodiments, the lubricant compositions exhibit reduced greenhouse gas emissions as compared to conventional lubricants. In addition, despite demonstrating improved fuel efficiency, the lubricant compositions also have good shear stability, among other properties.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the lubricant composition is an axle lubricant. In this embodiment, the polyalphaolefin base oil component is present in an amount of at least about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the axle lubricant. In this embodiment, the polyalphaolefin base oil component is typically present in an amount of about 50% to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the axle lubricant. In addition, the axle lubricant of this embodiment is also substantially free of type I, type II, type III, and type V base oils. Although not required, the axle lubricant of this embodiment may also consist essentially of the above components and an additive package as described below. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the axle lubricant of this embodiment improves the fuel efficiency of a vehicle when used to lubricate an axle of a vehicle. More specifically, it is believed that the combination of the chemistry and kinematic viscosity of the blend of the first and second polyalkylene glycols imparts superior low temperature and high temperature properties to the lubricant composition, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the lubricant composition when used to lubricate an axle of a vehicle.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the lubricant composition is a transmission lubricant, a transfer case lubricant, a transaxle lubricant, a power take-off lubricant, and / or a bearing / wheel lubricant.

[0035] The lubricating composition may also include an additive package. The additive package includes at least one additive effective to improve at least one property of the lubricant composition and / or the performance of the equipment in which the lubricant composition is used. In certain embodiments, the additive package includes one or more additives selected from antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, foam control additives, extreme pressure additives, antiwear additives, detergents, metal passivators, pour point depressants, and viscosity index improvers. Although not required, the additive package and the lubricant composition generally are substantially free of dispersants. In certain embodiments, the additive package, or a portion of the additive package, is commercially available from Afton Chemical under the trade name X-20817 or Lubrizol.

[0036] It should be understood that the individual additives included in the additive package may be mixed with one or more other additives before being added to the lubricant composition, or alternatively, the individual additives may be added separately to the lubricant composition. In other words, the additive package does not require all or a portion of the additives to be mixed together prior to mixing with the polyalphaolefin base oil component.

[0037] If the lubricant composition includes an additive package, the additive package is typically included in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight, from about 4% to about 18% by weight, from about 4% to about 16% by weight, from about 4% to about 14% by weight, or from about 6% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0038] With regard to the anti-wear additive, any anti-wear additive known in the art may be included. Suitable non-limiting examples of anti-wear additives include zinc dialkyldithiophosphates ("ZDDP"), zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, sulfur and / or phosphorus and / or halogen-containing compounds such as sulfurized olefins and vegetable oils, zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, alkylated triphenyl phosphates, tritolyl phosphates, tricresyl phosphates, chlorinated paraffins, alkyl and aryl di- and trisulfides, amine salts of mono- and dialkyl phosphates, amine salts of methylphosphonic acid, diethanolaminomethyltriazole, bis(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyltolyltriazole, derivatives of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, ethyl 3-[(diisopropoxyphosphinothioyl)thio]propionate, thio Included are triphenyl phosphate (triphenyl phosphorothioate), tris(alkylphenyl) phosphorothioates and mixtures thereof (e.g., tris(isononylphenyl) phosphorothioate), diphenyl monononylphenyl phosphorothioate, isobutylphenyl diphenyl phosphorothioate, dodecylamine salt of 3-hydroxy-1,3-thiaphetane 3-oxide, 5,5,5-tris[isooctyl 2-acetate] trithiophosphate, derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole such as 1-[N,N-bis(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl]-2-mercapto-1H-1,3-benzothiazole, ethoxycarbonyl-5-octyldithiocarbamate, phosphorus-containing ashless anti-wear additives, and / or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-wear additive is ZDDP.

[0039] When an anti-wear additive is included, it may be included in the lubricant composition in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 4% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 3% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight, alternatively about 0.1% by weight to about 1% by weight, or about 0.1% by weight to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The amount of the anti-wear additive may vary outside the above ranges, but is typically both integer and decimal values ​​within these ranges. Furthermore, it should be understood that two or more anti-wear additives may be included in the lubricant composition, in which case the total amount of all anti-wear additives included is within the above ranges. Furthermore, it should be understood that the above anti-wear additives may be included in the lubricant composition, in which case the total amount of all anti-wear additives included is within the above ranges.

[0040] Similarly, any pour point depressant known in the art may be included. Pour point depressants are typically selected from polymethacrylates and alkylated naphthalene derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0041] If included, the pour point depressant may be present in the lubricant composition in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The amount of pour point depressant may vary outside the above ranges, but is typically both integer and decimal values ​​within these ranges. Additionally, it should be understood that more than one pour point depressant may be included in the lubricant composition, in which case the total amount of all pour point depressants included is within the above ranges.

[0042] With regard to the defoaming agent, any defoaming agent known in the art can be included. The defoaming agent is typically selected from silicone defoamers, acrylate copolymer defoamers, and combinations thereof.

[0043] When an antifoaming agent is included, it may be included in the lubricant composition in an amount of about 0.001% to about 0.5% by weight, alternatively about 0.001% to about 0.25% by weight, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.% by weight, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The amount of antifoaming agent may vary outside the above ranges, but is typically both integer and decimal values ​​within these ranges. Additionally, it should be understood that more than one antifoaming agent may be included in the lubricant composition, in which case the total amount of all antiwear additives included is within the above ranges.

[0044] If a viscosity index improver is used, it can be of various types. Suitable examples of viscosity index improvers include polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, vinylpyrrolidone / methacrylate copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polybutenes, olefin copolymers, styrene / acrylate copolymers and polyethers, and combinations thereof.

[0045] When a viscosity index improver is used, it may be included in various amounts. The viscosity index improver may be included in the lubricant composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 1% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The amount of viscosity index improver may vary outside the above ranges, but is typically both integer and decimal values ​​within these ranges. Furthermore, it should be understood that two or more viscosity index improvers may be included in the lubricant composition, in which case the total amount of viscosity index improver is within the above ranges.

[0046] When antioxidant is used, it can be of various types.Suitable antioxidants include alkylated monophenols, alkylthiomethylphenols, hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, alkylidene bisphenols, O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, hydroxybenzylated malonates, triazine compounds, aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, benzyl phosphonates, acylaminophenols, esters of [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-propionic acid and monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, amino acid inhibitors, aliphatic or aromatic phosphites, esters of thiodipropionic acid or thiodiacetic acid, salts of dithiocarbamic acid or dithiophosphoric acid, disulfide fatty esters, sulfurized fatty acids and sulfurized olefins, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0047] When antioxidants are used, they can be used in various amounts and can be included in the lubricant composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0048] The present disclosure also provides a method for improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle having an axle, the method including providing a lubricant composition, the method further including contacting the lubricant composition with an axle of the vehicle to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0049] The present disclosure also provides a method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of a vehicle having an axle, the method including providing a lubricant composition, the method further including contacting the lubricant composition with an axle of the vehicle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle.

[0050] The present disclosure also provides a method of improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle having an axle, a transmission (manual or automatic), a transfer case, a transaxle, a power take-off (PTO), and / or a bearing / wheel of the vehicle. The method includes providing a lubricant composition. The method further includes contacting the lubricant composition with at least one component of the vehicle selected from the group of a transmission (manual or automatic), a transfer case, a transaxle, a power take-off, a bearing / wheel, and combinations thereof to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0051] The present disclosure also provides a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions of a vehicle having an axle, a transmission (manual or automatic), a transfer case, a transaxle, a power take-off (PTO), and / or a bearing / wheel of the vehicle. The method includes providing a lubricant composition. The method further includes contacting the lubricant composition with at least one component of the vehicle selected from the group of a transmission (manual or automatic), a transfer case, a transaxle, a power take-off, a bearing / wheel, and combinations thereof to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method of the disclosure includes providing an axle lubricant to improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle having an axle. In this embodiment, the polyalphaolefin base oil component of the axle lubricant is present in an amount of at least about 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant. Additionally, the axle lubricant has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of about 5 to about 35 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of about 20 to about 300 cSt. The method further includes contacting the lubricant and an axle of the vehicle with the axle lubricant to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. EXAMPLES

[0053] A lubricant composition within the scope of the present disclosure is provided in Table 1 as Lubricant Composition 1. Table 1 also provides two comparative lubricants as Comparative Lubricants A and B. Each individual component of each lubricant in Table 1 is provided in weight percent (wt %) based on the total weight of the respective lubricant.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] The base oil is a polyalphaolefin PAO7, having a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 7 cSt.

[0056] The physical properties of Lubricant Composition 1 and Comparative Lubricants A-B were measured and are also provided in Table 1. Lubricant Composition 1 was found to have excellent axle efficiency, sufficient greenhouse gas emissions, and good fuel economy.

[0057] The axle efficiency of Lubricant 1 and Comparative Lubricants A and B was measured using standard test methods. The axle efficiency results are shown in Figure 1.

[0058] Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were also measured for Lubricant 1 and Comparative Lubricant B. GHG emissions were measured using GEM analysis. The results of the GEM analysis are shown in Figures 2a and 2b. As can be seen from these figures, the emission of GEM emissions was improved for Lubricant 1 of the present application.

[0059] The fuel economy of Lubricant Composition 1 and Comparative Example B was also measured and is shown in Figure 3, which shows that Lubricant Composition 1 provides improved fuel economy compared to the commercial lubricant.

[0060] The shear stability of Lubricant 1 was also determined by measuring the kinematic viscosity at 100° C. over a 250,000 mile track time period, and the shear stability is shown in Figure 4. As can be seen from Figure 4, the shear stability of the viscosity was maintained over 250,000 miles.

[0061] The shear viscosity of lubricant composition 1 (candidate) and comparative example A was measured over several hours. The results are shown in Figure 5. As can be seen from Figure 5, the lubricant composition according to the present application does not shear over time and maintains its viscosity over 200 hours. In contrast, comparative example A sheared at the beginning of this test. Less shear over time is preferred as this ensures the stability of the lubricant. Thus, the candidate lubricants had good shear viscosity compared to the commercial lubricants.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lubricant composition is provided, which may comprise a polyalphaolefin base oil component in an amount of about 30 wt% to about 70 wt%, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, and a thickener in an amount of up to 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, the lubricant composition having a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, respectively, as measured according to ASTM D445; and / or The thickening agent is selected from the group of olefin copolymers (OCPs), polymethylacrylates (PMAs), polyisobutenes (PIBs), oil soluble polyalkyl glycols (PAGs) (OSPs), high viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAOs), and mixtures thereof; and / or and / or and / or further comprising a diester; and / or further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, foam control additives, extreme pressure additives, antiwear additives, detergents, and viscosity index improvers, wherein the lubricant composition is substantially free of dispersants; and / or the lubricant composition is an axle lubricant; and / or a polyalphaolefin base oil component is present in an amount of about 50% by weight to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition; and / or the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from about 9 cSt to about 12 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of from about 50 cSt to about 60 cSt, respectively, as measured in accordance with ASTM D445; and / or The second thickening agent is present in an amount up to about 5% by weight; and / or the second thickener is polyisobutene; and / or The ester is present in an amount up to about 35% by weight; and / or and / or the antifoaming agent is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight.

[0063] In another embodiment, an axle lubricant of the present disclosure may comprise a polyalphaolefin base oil component and a thickener, the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprising a Type IV base oil, the axle lubricant having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of from about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, respectively, as measured in accordance with ASTM D445; the axle lubricant having a viscosity index of from about 150 to about 200, as measured in accordance with ASTM D2270; and / or The polyalphaolefin base oil component is present in an amount of about 30% by weight to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the axle lubricant; and / or The thickener may be present in an amount up to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant.

[0064] It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the explicit and specific compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary among the specific embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush group relied upon herein to describe particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, unique, and / or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group, independently of all other Markush groups. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and / or in combination to provide appropriate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0065] Moreover, all ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present disclosure are understood to be within the scope of the appended claims, both individually and collectively, and to describe and contemplate all ranges including integers and / or fractional values ​​therein, even if such values ​​are not expressly recited herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the recited ranges and subranges fully describe and enable various embodiments of the present disclosure, and that such ranges and subranges may be further described in their associated halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, etc. As merely an example, the range "0.1-0.9" may be further described in a lower third, i.e., 0.1-0.3, a middle third, i.e., 0.4-0.6, and an upper third, i.e., 0.7-0.9, which are individually and collectively within the scope of the appended claims and may be relied upon individually and / or collectively to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, with respect to terms defining or modifying a range, such as "at least," "greater than," "less than," "less than," and the like, it is to be understood that such terms include subranges and / or upper or lower limits. As another example, the range "at least 10" essentially includes the subranges of at least 10 to 35, the subranges of at least 10 to 25, the lower subranges of 25 to 35, and the like, each of which may be relied upon individually and / or collectively to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the appended claims. Finally, individual numbers within the disclosed ranges may be relied upon in particular embodiments within the appended claims to provide appropriate support therefor. For example, the range "1 to 9" includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon in particular embodiments within the appended claims to provide appropriate support therefor. Additionally, the choice of solvent, the amount of solvent, the choice of polycarboxylate, and the choice of alkaline builder, together with the particle size of the alkaline builder and other solid ingredients included within the formulation, generally manipulate the viscosity of the formulation.

[0066] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, with it being understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. The present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims (both singly and multiple dependent) is expressly contemplated herein.

Claims

1. 1. A lubricant composition comprising: a polyalphaolefin base oil component in an amount of about 30 wt % to about 70 wt %, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition; a thickener in an amount of up to 30 wt. % based on the total weight of the lubricant composition; Including, Each of them has a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, as measured in accordance with ASTM D445; Lubricant composition.

2. 10. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the thickener is selected from the group of olefin copolymers (OCP), polymethacrylates (PMA), polyisobutenes (PIB), oil soluble polyalkyl glycols (PAG) (OSP), high viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAO), and mixtures thereof.

3. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, further comprising a second thickener.

4. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, further comprising a diester.

5. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an additive package containing at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, foam control additives, extreme pressure additives, antiwear additives, detergents, and viscosity index improvers, and being substantially free of dispersants.

6. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1 or 2, which is an axle lubricant.

7. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the polyalphaolefin base oil component is present in an amount of about 50% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

8. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 9 cSt to about 12 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 50 cSt to about 60 cSt, measured in accordance with ASTM D445.

9. 4. The lubricant composition of claim 3, wherein the second thickener is present in an amount up to about 5% by weight.

10. 4. The lubricant composition of claim 3, wherein the second thickener is polyisobutene.

11. 5. The lubricant composition of claim 4, wherein the ester is present in an amount up to about 35% by weight.

12. 3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, further comprising an antifoaming agent.

13. 11. The lubricant composition of claim 10, wherein the antifoaming agent is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight.

14. a polyalphaolefin base oil component and a thickener, wherein the polyalphaolefin base oil component comprises a type IV base oil; Each of them has a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt to about 15 cSt and a kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 30 cSt to about 70 cSt, as measured in accordance with ASTM D445; a viscosity index of about 150 to about 200 as measured in accordance with ASTM D2270; Axle lubricant.

15. The axle lubricant of claim 14, wherein the polyalphaolefin base oil component is present in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant.

16. 15. The axle lubricant of claim 14, wherein the thickener is present in an amount of up to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the axle lubricant.

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