Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer viscosity modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubricating oils lack satisfactory shear stability and low kinematic viscosity at 100° C., which hinders their fuel efficiency and performance across varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating oil composition comprising an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer with 70-90 mole % ethylene units and an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3-1.0 dl/g, combined with a lubricant base oil, to achieve reduced viscosity and balanced lubricating characteristics at low and high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional viscosity modifiers are used to reduce temperature dependence of viscosity, then viscosity stability across temperature ranges is improved, but kinematic viscosity at 100° C. remains too high, reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the ethylene content (70-90 mole %) and intrinsic viscosity (0.3-1.0 dl/g) of the copolymer to achieve optimal balance between viscosity stability and low-temperature viscosity. This specific parameter range resolves the contradiction by enabling sufficient viscosity modification while maintaining low kinematic viscosity at 100° C. for fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ethylene/α-olefin copolymer as a composite material combining ethylene units for viscosity stability and α-olefin units for low intrinsic viscosity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating both requirements: the ethylene component provides temperature dependence control while the α-olefin component keeps the overall viscosity low at high temperatures.
2Use of energy by moving object
If viscosity is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then energy consumption is lowered, but shear stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the molecular structure parameters of the viscosity modifier - specifically using copolymers with 70-90 mole % ethylene and intrinsic viscosity 0.3-1.0 dl/g. These parameter changes enable the polymer to provide adequate shear stability while maintaining low kinematic viscosity at 100° C., thus improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ethylene/α-olefin copolymer acts as a composite material where the ethylene segments provide shear resistance and structural stability, while the α-olefin segments contribute to low viscosity. This composite structure simultaneously achieves both shear stability and low energy consumption.
3Reliability
If different lubricating oil formulations are used for power transmission and engine applications, then performance requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer that can serve multiple lubrication applications - both power transmission fluids and engine oils. The copolymer's adjustable composition (70-90 mole % ethylene) and controlled intrinsic viscosity (0.3-1.0 dl/g) enable it to meet diverse performance requirements across different applications, reducing the need for entirely different formulations and simplifying manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition exhibits excellent shear stability and low kinematic viscosity at 100° C., providing improved fuel efficiency and well-balanced lubricating performance across temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
certain types of polymers soluble in lubricant base oils are used as viscosity modifiers for the purpose of reducing the temperature dependence of viscosity of the lubricating oils
Implementation Method 2
studies by the present inventors have shown that the lubricating oils provided so far are yet unsatisfactory in terms of good shear stability and small kinematic viscosity at 100° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricating oil composition includes an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (A) having 70 to 90 mole % of structural units derived from ethylene and an intrinsic viscosity [η] of 0.3 to 1.0 dl/g.