Functionalized C4-C5 Olefin Polymers for Low Viscosity Lubricants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative or improved engine and transmission oil compositions that meet stringent wear tests while providing enhanced wear protection, fuel economy, and soot handling, particularly for low viscosity grades that maintain cleanliness and compatibility with modern engine technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of lubricating oil compositions incorporating amide, imide, and/or ester functionalized partially or fully saturated polymers with specific molecular weight distributions and functionality, which are hydrogenated and selectively functionalized to enhance dispersancy and viscometric properties, allowing for improved soot dispersancy and reduced wear in internal combustion engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low viscosity grades are used to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency is improved, but wear protection and cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the lubricant by introducing functionalized C4-C5 olefin polymers with specific molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 2.0) and controlled functionality (Fd ≤ 3.5). These polymers contain amide, imide, and/or ester groups that provide enhanced wear protection and soot handling capabilities while maintaining low viscosity grades (0W-8, 0W-12, 0W-16, 0W-20), thus resolving the contradiction between fuel economy and wear protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymer structures combining saturated C4-C5 olefin backbones with grafted functional groups (amide, imide, ester). This composite approach allows the lubricant to simultaneously achieve low viscosity for fuel economy and high performance for wear protection and cleanliness through the synergistic effects of the polymer backbone and functional groups
2Use of energy by moving object
If low viscosity grades are used to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency is improved, but cleanliness and soot handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition by incorporating functionalized polymers with specific parameters (Mw/Mn < 2.0, Fd ≤ 3.5) that enhance soot dispersancy. The amide, imide, and/or ester functional groups interact with soot particles to prevent aggregation and deposition, maintaining cleanliness in low viscosity grades and enabling better fuel economy without sacrificing soot handling capabilities
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional dispersants are used to improve soot handling, then soot dispersancy is improved, but viscosity increase and fuel economy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular structure of dispersants by using functionalized C4-C5 olefin polymers with controlled molecular weight (Mw/Mn < 2.0) and functionality (Fd ≤ 3.5). These polymers provide effective soot dispersancy while having minimal impact on viscosity, thus maintaining fuel economy benefits. The low molecular weight and controlled functionality ensure that the dispersant does not significantly increase oil viscosity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing dispersants with specific functional groups (amide, imide, ester) attached to a saturated olefin backbone. The functional groups provide localized soot interaction capability, while the saturated backbone maintains low viscosity. This localized functionalization allows effective soot handling without compromising overall fuel economy
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 lubricating oil compositions demonstrate reduced valve train wear, improved soot dispersancy, and enhanced cleanliness, meeting stringent engine tests and providing better fuel economy benefits compared to traditional formulations.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogenated and selectively functionalized to enhance dispersancy and viscometric properties
Implementation Method 2
Dispersants help keep these byproducts suspended or in solution, thus diminishing their deposition on metal surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to functionalized polymers and compositions comprising such where the functionalized polymers comprise amide, imide, and/or ester functionalized partially or fully saturated polymer comprising C4-5 olefins having: i) an Mw/Mn of less than 2, ii) a Functionality Distribution (Fd) value of 3.5 or less, and iii) an Mn of 10,000 g/mol or more (GPC-PS) of the polymer prior to functionalization, provided that, if the polymer prior to functionalization is a copolymer of isoprene and butadiene, then the Mn of the copolymer is greater than 25,000 g/mol (GPC-PS).