Ashless Friction Modifiers for Engine Lubricants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine lubricants face challenges in balancing antiwear performance, friction modification, and corrosion inhibition while minimizing the detrimental effects of phosphorus and sulfur compounds, which can lead to increased wear and corrosion, and negatively impact fuel economy and catalyst performance.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating composition comprising a compound obtained by reacting glycolic acid or its alkali/alkaline metal salt with an alcohol, used as an antiwear agent, friction modifier, or corrosion inhibitor, specifically designed to enhance fuel economy and reduce lead or copper corrosion in internal combustion engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phosphorus-containing antiwear agents such as ZDDP are used, then antiwear performance is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates and copper corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using ashless friction modifiers (esters of polyhydric alcohols or hydroxyl-containing acids) instead of phosphorus-containing ZDDP, thereby eliminating phosphorus while maintaining friction modification performance and improving fuel economy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces corrosion inhibitors as intermediary substances to counteract the copper corrosion caused by ashless friction modifiers, creating a multi-component system where each additive addresses specific performance requirements without compromising others
2Reliability
If phosphorus-containing antiwear agents such as ZDDP are used, then antiwear performance is improved, but copper corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition by substituting phosphorus-containing additives with phosphorus-free ashless friction modifiers, thereby eliminating the source of copper corrosion while maintaining protective film formation through alternative mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces corrosion inhibitors as intermediary substances that specifically protect copper and lead components from corrosion, allowing the use of ashless friction modifiers without compromising corrosion protection
3Object-generated harmful factors
If ashless additives are used to reduce phosphorus and sulfur, then emissions are reduced, but corrosion of metal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the additive composition parameters by using ashless friction modifiers to reduce phosphorus and sulfur content, thereby reducing emissions and sulphated ash while maintaining lubrication performance through alternative chemical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces corrosion inhibitors as intermediary substances that specifically counteract the increased corrosion tendency of ashless additives, protecting copper and lead components while allowing emission reductions
4Object-generated harmful factors
If sulphur and phosphorus compounds are reduced, then catalyst performance is improved, but antiwear protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition by reducing phosphorus and sulfur content through the use of ashless friction modifiers, thereby preventing catalyst poisoning while maintaining wear protection through alternative protective mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes harmful phosphorus and sulfur compounds from the lubricant formulation, eliminating their negative impact on catalysts while compensating for lost protective functions through corrosion inhibitors and ashless additives
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a compound obtained/obtainable by a process comprising reacting a glycolic acid, a 2-halo-acetic acid, or a lactic acid, or an alkali or alkaline metal salts thereof, (typically glycolic acid or a 2-halo-acetic acid) with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an amine, an alcohol, and an aminoalcohol. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine.