Evaluation and Synthesis of Environmentally Benign Multifunctional Additives for Lube Oil

Behenyl acrylate (BA) homo-polymer and its copolymers with citral were synthesized with varying percentage compositions (w/w) and subjected to thorough characterization through GPC (gel permeation chromatography) analysis and spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, NMR). The polymers' capability was assessed through viscosity index improvers/viscosity modifiers (VII or VM), anti wear (AW) additives and pour point depressants (PPD) for base oils (lubricating oil). The action mechanism of the PPD properties was investigated through photomicrographic analysis. Additionally, the thermal stability of the polymers was measured using TGA or thermo gravimetric analysis. Biodegradability tests on copolymers were conducted using soil burial test (SBT) and the Disc Diffusion (DD) method. The copolymers exhibited exceptional PPD, VII, and AW performance when incorporated into lubricating oil.