What Are Synthetic Lubricants?

Total synthetic lubricants have been synthesized and refined to a high level. Full synthetic oils are also referred to as polyalphaolefins. They have constant molecular weight and constant viscosity index. Therefore, PAOs are ideal for icy conditions.

Chemically Synthesized

Oxidation is how lubricants degrade, a reaction that involves oxygen. Oxidation accelerators include oxygen, air, moisture, catalytic metals, heat, and wear debris. Group, I base oils contain more than 300 ppm sulfur and 10% aromatics. These compounds are highly reactive and react with oxygen to form soluble degradation by-products. However, a high percentage of aromatics in lubricants can shorten their life cycle and sump oxidation. Hydrocracked Group II oils have almost eliminated aromatics.

Agricultural machinery uses synthetic and mineral oils in lubrication. These oils are commonly available at lubricant supplier VA. The loss of mineral oil in these systems was more pronounced for synthetic oils than for natural vegetable oils. Nitrogen also increased the biodegradation rate of synthetic oils, while their sludge formation was lower. Therefore, biodegradable lubricants must be monitored more closely.

Chemically Refined Mineral Oil

The hydrocarbon composition of mineral oil varies widely depending on the source of crude oil and the refining process used to produce it. In the past, mineral oils were only mildly refined and contained significant levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The impurities were removed with acid treatment, which improved the technical properties of the finished oils. Modern processes such as hydro-treatment and solvent extraction significantly reduce the presence of PAHs.

As a result, mineral oils flow slower through engine circuits, affecting vehicle performance and fuel consumption. Mineral oils should be changed more often than synthetic lubricants. Although both provide high-quality lubrication, synthetic motor oils are better suited for high-performance engines. They undergo complex chemical transformations to make them a superior choice for these vehicles. Synthetic motor oils are formulated from carefully selected molecules and undergo more sophisticated chemical modification than mineral oils.

Highly Refined Mineral Oil

The term synthetic lubricants refer to a type of base oil. This oil contains a variety of hydrocarbon chains that are naturally occurring in oil. These compounds are separated into different groups depending on their specific performance properties. Group III is composed of highly refined mineral oil, whereas Group IV contains synthetic oils. Group V is a mixture of various base stocks, including some mineral oil and more synthetics. Group V oils are prized for their unique properties.

Compared to mineral oil, highly refined mineral oil can perform just as well as synthetic lubricants. The main difference between synthetic and mineral oil is price. Synthetic greases are more expensive, so highly refined mineral oil may be the better option in some cases. The choice of lubricant should be task-based and should consider the use, operating conditions, history of the equipment, and storage methods.

High-Grade Synthetic Lubricant

A high-grade synthetic lubricant is designed to reduce friction in contacting internal parts of a machine. Many examples of these applications include oil-lubricated compressors, gas turbines, and regenerative braking systems. A synthetic lubricant is also beneficial in applications where high friction levels are present, such as in compressors that process hydrocarbons, natural gas, hydrogen, or nitrogen.

Premium quality synthetics contain multiple PAOs in a single blend. Some are made from various PAO species, whereas others are blended with polyester base stock. This process requires considerable experience and is rarely done by small companies. Nevertheless, it produces the highest-quality synthetic oil available. A premium synthetic lubricant will cost about $8 per quart. However, it is worth paying a bit more for the higher performance it provides.

Royal Purple is a premium synthetic engine oil. It offers the inherent advantages of synthetic oil, including increased film strength and reduced metal-to-metal contact. A higher oil film strength protects the engine, resulting in lower cold-start damage and reduced wear and tear. As a result, the Royal Purple engine oil is an excellent choice for street cars because it is available in premium quality grades. It is also safe for extended use in street vehicles.