The Contribution of Polymers to Oil Properties Important to Engine Lubrication

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Abstract
Polymers in automotive oils permit a practical compromise between low- and high-temperature viscosity requirements. Oils containing polymer have low temperature (0 F) viscosities 10% to 50% greater than predicted by the ASTM equation (D-341-43). This disadvantage is outweighed by their favorable balance between engine friction and oil consumption. They have high shear viscosities 20% to 40% less than their conventional viscosities, with corresponding friction horsepower reductions over similar non-polymer oils of 10% or more with no penalty in consumption. Correlation of friction horsepower with viscosity suggests that the controlling shear rates are 750,000 sec−1 or more. Dispersancy is an added property built into some of the polymeric additives. Low duty field tests demonstrate the effectiveness of this dispersancy in redistributing the “sludge balance” to keep the engine contaminants in the oil and filter and not in the working parts of the engine.

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