Viscosity Index Improver Copolymer for Shear Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viscosity index improvers for lubricating oils face challenges in achieving high shear stability and viscosity index while being cost-effective and scalable, with limitations in temperature range and compatibility with various base oils.
Innovation Solution
A polymer comprising units derived from ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds, specifically with a composition of at least 10% by weight from each of formulas (I), (II), and (III), which are ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds, enhancing viscosity index and shear stability, and allowing for industrial-scale production using common components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the molecular weight of the polymer is increased to improve viscosity index, then the viscosity index increases, but the shear stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a copolymer that combines two different monomer types: (meth)acrylate units providing viscosity index improvement and long-chain alkyl (meth)acrylate units providing shear stability. This composite polymer structure allows simultaneous achievement of high VI and PSS I by leveraging the complementary properties of different polymer components rather than relying on a single high molecular weight polymer
2Quantity of substance
If the concentration of viscosity index improver is increased to achieve desired viscosity, then the viscosity index improves, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight distribution and compositional ratio of the copolymer to achieve maximum viscosity index improvement per unit of additive. The specific parameter optimization includes controlling the average molecular weight and the ratio of different monomer units, which allows achieving the desired viscosity with minimum treating rate, thereby reducing fuel consumption
3Reliability
If new plants or complicated construction are used to produce specialized polymers, then the polymer performance improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a copolymer that can be produced using existing commercial polymerization equipment and readily available monomers. The polymer serves multiple functions (viscosity index improvement and shear stability) through its compositional design rather than requiring specialized production facilities, making it universally manufacturable with standard industrial equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a polymer useful as viscosity index improver comprising units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R1 means a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl residue with 1-6 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR′, where R′ means hydrogen or a alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, units of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R4 means a 2-alkyl branched alkyl residue with 12-18 carbon atoms, R5 and R6 independently are hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR″, where R″ means hydrogen or an alkyl group with 12-18 carbon atoms, and units of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (III), where R is hydrogen or methyl, R7 means a linear alkyl residue with 12-24 carbon atoms, R8 and R9 independently are hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR″, where R″ means hydrogen or an alkyl group with 12-24 carbon atoms wherein said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I), based on the total weight of the polymer, said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II), based on the total weight of the polymer, and said polymer comprises at least 10% by weight units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (III), based on the total weight of the polymer.