U.S. patent application number 09/900029 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-27 for method for improving low-temperature fluidity of lubricating oils using high-and-low-molecular weight polymer additive mixtures.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROEHM ROHMAX HOLDING GMBH. Invention is credited to Kinker, Bernard G., McGregor, Thomas A., Souchik, Joan Marie.
Application Number | 20010056044 09/900029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22007239 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010056044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kinker, Bernard G. ; et
al. |
December 27, 2001 |
Method for improving low-temperature fluidity of lubricating oils
using high-and-low-molecular weight polymer additive mixtures
Abstract
A method for improving the low temperature fluidity of
lubricating oil compositions based on addition to lubricating oils
of a mixture of selected high molecular weight and low molecular
weight alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers is disclosed. Combinations
of low molecular weight alkyl (meth)acrylate polymers containing
zero to 25 weight percent (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylate
with high molecular weight alkyl (meth)acrylate polymers containing
25 to 70 weight percent (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylate are
especially effective at satisfying different aspects of low
temperature fluidity properties simultaneously for a broad range of
base oils.
Inventors: |
Kinker, Bernard G.;
(Kintnersville, PA) ; McGregor, Thomas A.;
(Trevose, PA) ; Souchik, Joan Marie; (Norristown,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
ROEHM ROHMAX HOLDING GMBH
Kirschenalle D-64193
Darmstadt
DE
D-64193
|
Family ID: |
22007239 |
Appl. No.: |
09/900029 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09900029 |
Jul 9, 2001 |
|
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09136731 |
Aug 19, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
508/469 ;
508/470 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10M 2217/026 20130101;
C10N 2040/25 20130101; C10N 2040/255 20200501; C10M 2205/04
20130101; C10M 2213/06 20130101; C10M 2217/024 20130101; C10M
169/041 20130101; C10M 2203/10 20130101; C10M 2209/062 20130101;
C10M 2203/1085 20130101; C10M 2203/1065 20130101; C10M 2203/1045
20130101; C10M 2213/00 20130101; C10M 2213/04 20130101; C10M 157/00
20130101; C10M 2217/06 20130101; C10M 2203/1006 20130101; C10N
2040/251 20200501; C10M 2203/102 20130101; C10M 2217/023 20130101;
C10M 101/02 20130101; C10M 2217/028 20130101; C10M 2203/1025
20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101; C10M 2209/086 20130101; C10M
2209/084 20130101; C10M 2209/06 20130101; C10M 2209/04 20130101;
C10N 2040/28 20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101;
C10M 157/00 20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101;
C10M 2209/084 20130101; C10M 2209/084 20130101; C10M 169/041
20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101; C10M 145/14 20130101; C10M 101/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
508/469 ;
508/470 |
International
Class: |
C10M 145/14 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for maintaining low temperature fluidity of a
lubricating oil composition comprising adding from 0.03 to 3
percent, based on total lubricating oil composition weight, of a
first [P.sub.1] and a second [P.sub.2] polymer to the lubricating
oil composition wherein: (a) the first polymer [P.sub.1] comprises
zero to 15 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 30 to 75 percent monomer
units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and 25 to 70 percent monomer units selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total first polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 250,000 to 1,500,000; (b) the second polymer [P.sub.2]
comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units selected from one or
more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 75 to 100 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and zero to 25 percent monomer units selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total second polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000; (c) the first polymer [P.sub.1]
has a weight average molecular weight at least 50,000 greater than
that of the second polymer [P.sub.2]; and (d) the first and second
polymers are combined in a weight ratio ([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of
5/95 to 75/25.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first [P.sub.1] and second
[P.sub.2] polymers are selected and combined in a weight ratio such
that the lubricating oil composition has: (a) a "gel index" of less
than 12, and (b) a "low-shear rate viscosity" of less than 60
pascal.multidot.seconds with a "yield stress" of less than 35
pascals.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the "gel index" is less than 8.5
and the "low-shear rate viscosity" is less than 55
pascal.multidot.seconds.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first polymer [P.sub.1] has a
weight average molecular weight from 300,000 to 800,000, and the
second polymer [P.sub.2] has a weight average molecular weight from
20,000 to 200,000.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein: (a) the first polymer [P.sub.1]
comprises 35 to less than 70 percent monomer units selected from
one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylates and greater
than 30 up to 65 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates; and (b) the second
polymer [P.sub.2] comprises 85 to 95 percent monomer units selected
from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylates and 5 to
15 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylate of the first [P.sub.1] and second polymer [P.sub.2]
is selected from one or more of isodecyl methacrylate,
dodecyl-pentadecyl methacrylate, nonyl-undecyl methacrylate and
lauryl-myristyl methacrylate; and the (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylate of the first [P.sub.1] and second polymer [P.sub.2]
is selected from one or more of cetyl-eicosyl methacrylate and
cetyl-stearyl methacrylate.
7. A method for maintaining low temperature fluidity of a
lubricating oil composition comprising adding from 0.03 to 3
percent, based on total lubricating oil composition weight, of a
first [P.sub.1] and a second [P.sub.2] polymer to the lubricating
oil composition wherein: (a) the first polymer [P.sub.1] comprises
monomer units selected from one or more of vinylaromatic monomers,
.alpha.-olefins, vinyl alcohol esters, (meth)acrylic acid
derivatives, maleic acid derivatives and fumaric acid derivatives,
and has a weight average molecular weight from 250,000 to
1,500,000; (b) the second polymer [P.sub.2] comprises monomer units
selected from one or more of vinylaromatic monomers,
.alpha.-olefins, vinyl alcohol esters, (meth)acrylic acid
derivatives, maleic acid derivatives and fumaric acid derivatives,
and has a weight average molecular weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000;
(c) the first polymer [P.sub.1] has a weight average molecular
weight at least 50,000 greater than that of the second polymer
[P.sub.2]; and (d) the first and second polymers are combined in a
weight ratio ([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of 5/95 to 75/25.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the first [P.sub.1] and second
[P.sub.2] polymers are selected from one or more of
vinylaromatic-(meth)acrylic acid derivative copolymers,
vinylaromatic-maleic acid derivative copolymers, vinyl alcohol
ester-fumaric acid derivative copolymers, .alpha.-olefin-vinyl
alcohol ester copolymers, .alpha.-olefin-maleic acid derivative
copolymers and .alpha.-olefin-fumaric acid derivative
copolymers.
9. A concentrate for use in lubricating oil compositions comprising
a lubricating oil diluent and from 30 to 70 percent, based on
weight of the concentrate, of a first [P.sub.1] and a second
[P.sub.2] polymer, wherein: (a) the first polymer [P.sub.1]
comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units selected from one or
more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 30 to 75 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and 25 to 70 percent monomer units, selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total first polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 250,000 to 1,500,000; (b) the second polymer [P.sub.2]
comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units selected from one or
more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 90 to 100 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and zero to 10 percent monomer units selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total second polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000; (c) the first polymer [P.sub.1]
has a weight average molecular weight at least 50,000 greater than
that of the second polymer [P.sub.2]; and (d) the first and second
polymers are combined in a weight ratio ([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of
5/95 to 75/25.
10. A lubricating oil composition comprising a lubricating oil and
from 0.03 to 3 per cent, based on weight of the lubricating oil
composition, of a first [P.sub.1] and a second [P.sub.2] polymer
wherein: (a) the first polymer [P.sub.1] comprises zero to 15
percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 30 to 75 percent monomer
units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and 25 to 70 percent monomer units, selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total first polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 250,000 to 1,500,000; (b) the second polymer [P.sub.2]
comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units selected from one or
more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 90 to 100 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylates and zero to 10 percent monomer units selected from
one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylates, based on
total second polymer weight, and has a weight average molecular
weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000; (c) the first polymer [P.sub.1]
has a weight average molecular weight at least 50,000 greater than
that of the second polymer [P.sub.2]; (d) the first and second
polymers are combined in a weight ratio ([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of
5/95 to 75/25; (e) the lubricating oil comprises a base fluid
selected from one or more of API Group I and Group II base stocks;
and (f) the lubricating oil composition comprises from 0.1 to 20
percent, based on total lubricating oil composition weight, of
auxiliary additives selected from one or more viscosity index
improvers, antiwear agents, antioxidants, dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, antifoam agents, extreme pressure additives and
corrosion inhibitors.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention involves a method for improving overall low
temperature fluidity properties of a broad range of lubricating oil
compositions based on the addition of mixtures of selected high
molecular weight and low molecular weight polymer additives, in
particular alkyl (meth)acrylate polymer additives.
[0002] The behavior of petroleum oil formulations under cold flow
conditions is greatly influenced by the presence of paraffins (waxy
materials) that crystallize out of the oil upon cooling; these
paraffins significantly reduce the fluidity of the oils at low
temperature conditions. Polymeric flow improvers, known as pour
point depressants, have been developed to effectively reduce the
"pour point" or solidifying point of oils under specified
conditions (that is, the lowest temperature at which the formulated
oil remains fluid). Pour point depressants are effective at very
low concentrations, for example, between 0.05 and 1 percent by
weight in the oil. It is believed that the pour point depressant
material incorporates itself into the growing paraffin crystal
structure, effectively hindering further growth of the crystals and
the formation of extended crystal agglomerates, thus allowing the
oil to remain fluid at lower temperatures than otherwise would be
possible.
[0003] One limitation of the use of pour point depressant polymers
is that petroleum base oils from different sources contain varying
types of waxy or paraffin materials and not all polymeric pour
point depressants are equally effective in reducing the pour point
of different petroleum oils, that is, a polymeric pour point
depressant may be effective for one type of oil and ineffective for
another. As existing oil fields become depleted, lower grade oil
reservoirs are being used resulting in the supply of base oils (or
base stocks) having an overall lower quality than previously
encountered; these base oils are more difficult to handle, thus
making it more difficult for conventional pour point depressant
polymers to satisfy the multiple low temperature requirements of
lubricating oil compositions derived from a wide variety of base
oils.
[0004] One approach to solving this problem is disclosed in
"Depression Effect of Mixed Pour Point Depressants for Crude Oil"
by B. Zhao, J. Shenyang, Inst. Chem. Tech., 8(3), 228-230 (1994),
where improved pour point performance on two different crude oil
samples was obtained by using a physical mixture of two different
conventional pour point depressants when compared to using the pour
point depressants individually in the oils. Similarly, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,281,329 and European Patent Application EP 140,274 disclose
the use of physical mixtures of different polymeric additives to
achieve improved pour point properties when compared to using each
polymer additive alone in lubricating oils. U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,452
discloses combinations of low and high molecular weight
polyalkylmethacrylates useful for reducing the pour points of wax
isomerates compared to using the low or high molecular weight
polyalkylmethacrylates alone. GB Patent No. 1559952 discloses
combinations of viscosity index (VI) improving
polyalkyl(meth)acrylates having greater than 75%
(C.sub.12-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylate units with pour point
depressing polyalkyl(meth)acrylates having less than 75%
(C.sub.12-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylate units and 10-90%
(C.sub.16+)alkyl (meth)acrylate units; the polymer combinations
were useful for reducing the pour points of hydrocracked
lubricating oils compared to using each type of
polyalkyl(meth)acrylate alone.
[0005] A 37/63 weight ratio mixture of poly(65 dodecyl-pentadecyl
methacrylate/35 cetyl-stearyl methacrylate) having weight average
molecular weight of approximately 500,000 and poly(85
dodecyl-pentadecyl methacrylate/15 cetyl-eicosyl methacrylate)
having weight average molecular weight of approximately 100,000 was
a commercially available pour point depressant additive
formulation; the polymers were prepared by conventional solution
polymerization processes.
[0006] It would be desirable for a pour point depressant polymer or
mixture of pour depressant polymers to be useful in a wide variety
of petroleum oils and also simultaneously satisfy more than one
aspect of low temperature fluidity requirements, that is, other
than pour point depression. Recent advances in measuring low
temperature properties of oils have led to the need to satisfy
multiple performance requirements, for example, low-shear rate
viscosity, yield stress and gel index (used to predict low
temperature pumpability in equipment), in addition to conventional
pour point depression.
[0007] None of these previous approaches provides good low
temperature fluidity when a polymer additive or combination of
additives is used in a wide range of lubricating oil formulations.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
method for treating a broad range of lubricating oils such that
different aspects of low temperature fluidity are satisfied
simultaneously.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a method for maintaining low
temperature fluidity of a lubricating oil composition comprising
adding from 0.03 to 3 percent, based on total lubricating oil
composition weight, of a first [P.sub.1] and a second [P.sub.2]
polymer to the lubricating oil composition wherein (a) the first
polymer [P.sub.1] comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units
selected from one or more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates,
30 to 75 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylates and 25 to 70 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylates, based on total first polymer weight, and has a
weight average molecular weight from 250,000 to 1,500,000; (b) the
second polymer [P.sub.2] comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units
selected from one or more (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates,
75 to 100 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylates and zero to 25 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylates, based on total second polymer weight, and has a
weight average molecular weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000; (c) the
first polymer [P.sub.1] has a weight average molecular weight at
least 50,000 greater than that of the second polymer [P.sub.2]; and
(d) the first and second polymers are combined in a weight ratio
([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of 5/95 to 75/25.
[0009] In another embodiment the present invention provides a
method for maintaining low temperature fluidity of a lubricating
oil composition wherein the first [P.sub.1] and second [P.sub.2]
polymers are selected and combined in a weight ratio such that the
lubricating oil composition has (a) a "gel index" of less than 12,
and (b) a "low-shear rate viscosity" of less than 60
pascal.multidot.seconds with a "yield stress" of less than 35
pascals.
[0010] In another aspect the present invention provides concentrate
and lubricating oil compositions comprising the first [P.sub.1]
polymer described above and a second [P.sub.2] polymer, wherein the
second polymer [P.sub.2] comprises zero to 15 percent monomer units
selected from one or more (C.sub.1C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates, 90
to 100 percent monomer units selected from one or more
(C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylates and zero to 10 percent
monomer units selected from one or more (C.sub.6-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylates, based on total second polymer weight, and has a
weight average molecular weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000; the first
polymer [P.sub.1] has a weight average molecular weight at least
50,000 greater than that of the second polymer [P.sub.2]; and the
first and second polymers are combined in a weight ratio
([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of 5/95 to 75/25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The process of the present invention is useful for improving
different aspects of low temperature fluidity simultaneously for a
broad range of lubricating oils. We have found that combinations of
selected low and high molecular weight polymers are effective for
this purpose and result in unexpectedly improved low temperature
fluidity performance of lubricating oils as compared with the use
of prior art polymer additives and combinations of additives.
[0012] We have discovered a method for maintaining low temperature
fluidity of a lubricating oil composition comprising adding from
0.03 to 3 percent, based on total lubricating oil composition
weight, of a first [P.sub.1] and a second [P.sub.2] polymer to the
lubricating oil composition wherein the first polymer [P.sub.1]
comprises monomer units selected from one or more of vinylaromatic
monomers, .alpha.-olefins, vinyl alcohol esters, (meth)acrylic acid
derivatives, maleic acid derivatives and fumaric acid derivatives,
and has a weight average molecular weight from 250,000 to
1,500,000; the second polymer [P.sub.2] comprises monomer units
selected from one or more of vinylaromatic monomers,
.alpha.-olefins, vinyl alcohol esters, (meth)acrylic acid
derivatives, maleic acid derivatives and fumaric acid derivatives,
and has a weight average molecular weight from 10,000 to 1,500,000;
the first polymer [P.sub.1] has a weight average molecular weight
at least 50,000 greater than that of the second polymer [P.sub.2];
and the first and second polymers are combined in a weight ratio
([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of 5/95 to 75/25. Preferably, the first
[P.sub.1] and second [P.sub.2] polymer additives are based on
monomeric units of (meth)acrylic acid derivatives.
[0013] As used herein, the term "(meth)acrylic" refers to either
the corresponding acrylic or methacrylic acid and derivatives;
similarly, the term "alkyl (meth)acrylate" refers to either the
corresponding acrylate or methacrylate ester. As used herein, all
percentages referred to will be expressed in weight percent (%),
based on total weight of polymer or composition involved, unless
specified otherwise. As used herein, the term "copolymer" or
"copolymer material" refers to polymer compositions containing
units of two or more monomers or monomer types. As used herein,
"monomer type" refers to those monomers that represent mixtures of
individual closely related monomers, for example, LMA (mixture of
lauryl and myristyl methacrylates), DPMA (a mixture of dodecyl,
tridecyl, tetradecyl and pentadecyl methacrylates), SMA (mixture of
hexadecyl and octadecyl methacrylates), CEMA (mixture of hexadecyl,
octadecyl and eicosyl methacrylates). For the purposes of the
present invention, each of these mixtures represents a single
monomer or "monomer type" when describing monomer ratios and
copolymer compositions.
[0014] Monomers used in polymers useful in the process of the
present invention may be any monomers capable of polymerizing with
comonomers; preferably the monomers are monoethylenically
unsaturated monomers. Polyethylenically unsaturated monomers which
lead to crosslinking during the polymerization are generally
undesirable; polyethylenically unsaturated monomers which do not
lead to crosslinking or only crosslink to a small degree, for
example, butadiene, are also satisfactory comonomers.
[0015] One class of suitable monoethylenically unsaturated monomers
is vinylaromatic monomers that includes, for example, styrene,
.alpha.-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, ortho-, meta- and
para-methylstyrene, ethylvinylbenzene, vinylnaphthalene and
vinylxylenes. The vinylaromatic monomers can also include their
corresponding substituted counterparts, for example, halogenated
derivatives, that is, containing one or more halogen groups, such
as fluorine, chlorine or bromine; and nitro, cyano, alkoxy,
haloalkyl, carbalkoxy, carboxy, amino and alkylamino
derivatives.
[0016] Another class of suitable monoethylenically unsaturated
monomers is ethylene and substituted ethylene monomers, for
example: .alpha.-olefins such as propylene, isobutylene and long
chain alkyl .alpha.-olefins (such as (C.sub.10-C.sub.20)alkyl
.alpha.-olefins); vinyl alcohol esters such as vinyl acetate and
vinyl stearate; (meth)acrylic acid and derivatives such as
corresponding amides and esters; maleic acid and derivatives such
as corresponding anhydride, amides and esters; fumaric acid and
derivatives such as corresponding amides and esters; itaconic and
citraconic acids and derivatives such as corresponding anhydrides,
amides and esters.
[0017] Suitable polymers useful as the first [P.sub.1] or second
[P.sub.2] polymers in the process of the present invention include,
for example, vinylaromatic polymers (such as alkylated styrene),
vinylaromatic-(meth)acrylic acid derivative copolymers (such as
styrene/acrylate ester), vinylaromatic-maleic acid derivative
copolymers (such as styrene/maleic anhydride ester), vinyl alcohol
ester-fumaric acid derivative copolymers (such as vinyl
acetate/fumarate ester), .alpha.-olefin-vinyl alcohol ester
copolymers (such as ethylene/vinyl acetate), .alpha.-olefin-maleic
acid derivative copolymers (such as .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride
ester), .alpha.-olefin-fumaric acid derivative copolymers (such as
(.alpha.-olefin/fumarate ester) and (meth)acrylic acid derivative
copolymers (such as acrylate and methacrylate esters).
[0018] A preferred class of (meth)acrylic acid derivatives is
represented by alkyl (meth)acrylate, substituted (meth)acrylate and
substituted (meth)acrylamide monomers. Each of the monomers can be
a single monomer or a mixture having different numbers of carbon
atoms in the alkyl portion. Preferably, the monomers are selected
from the group consisting of (C.sub.1C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylates, hydroxy(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates,
dialkylamino(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylates and
dialkylamino(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylamides. The alkyl
portion of each monomer can be linear or branched.
[0019] Particularly preferred polymers useful in the process of the
present invention are the polyalkyl(meth)acrylates derived from the
polymerization of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers. Examples of the
alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer where the alkyl group contains from 1
to 6 carbon atoms (also called the "low-cut" alkyl
(meth)acrylates), are methyl methacrylate (MMA), methyl and ethyl
acrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate (BMA) and
acrylate (BA), isobutyl methacrylate (IBMA), hexyl and cyclohexyl
methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate and combinations thereof.
[0020] Examples of the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer where the alkyl
group contains from 7 to 15 carbon atoms (also called the "mid-cut"
alkyl (meth)acrylates), are 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA),
2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, nonyl methacrylate,
decyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate (IDMA, based on branched
(C.sub.10)alkyl isomer mixture), undecyl methacrylate, dodecyl
methacrylate (also known as lauryl methacrylate), tridecyl
methacrylate, tetradecyl methacrylate (also known as myristyl
methacrylate), pentadecyl methacrylate and combinations thereof.
Also useful are: dodecyl-pentadecyl methacrylate (DPMA), a mixture
of linear and branched isomers of dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl and
pentadecyl methacrylates; decyl-octyl methacrylate (DOMA), a
mixture of decyl and octyl methacrylates; nonyl-undecyl
methacrylate (NUMA), a mixture of nonyl, decyl and undecyl
methacrylates; and lauryl-myristyl methacrylate (LMA), a mixture of
dodecyl and tetradecyl methacrylates.
[0021] Examples of the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer where the alkyl
group contains from 16 to 24 carbon atoms (also called the
"high-cut" alkyl (meth)acrylates), are hexadecyl methacrylate (also
known as cetyl methacrylate), heptadecyl methacrylate, octadecyl
methacrylate (also known as stearyl methacrylate), nonadecyl
methacrylate, eicosyl methacrylate, behenyl methacrylate and
combinations thereof. Also useful are: cetyl-eicosyl methacrylate
(CEMA), a mixture of hexadecyl, octadecyl, and eicosyl
methacrylate; and cetyl-stearyl methacrylate (SMA), a mixture of
hexadecyl and octadecyl methacrylate.
[0022] The mid-cut and high-cut alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers
described above are generally prepared by standard esterification
procedures using technical grades of long chain aliphatic alcohols,
and these commercially available alcohols are mixtures of alcohols
of varying chain lengths containing between about 10 and 15 or
between about 16 and 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl group.
Consequently, for the purposes of this invention, alkyl
(meth)acrylate is intended to include not only the individual alkyl
(meth)acrylate product named, but also to include mixtures of the
alkyl (meth)acrylates with a predominant amount of the particular
alkyl (meth)acrylate named. The use of these commercially available
alcohol mixtures to prepare (meth)acrylate esters results in the
DOMA, NUMA, LMA, DPMA, SMA and CEMA monomer types described
above.
[0023] Typically, the amount of (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer units in the first polymer [P.sub.1] or the
second polymer [P.sub.2] is from zero to 15%, preferably from zero
to less than 10% and more preferably from zero to less than 5%,
based on total first polymer weight. When the
(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units are based on
(C.sub.1-C.sub.2)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, such as methyl
methacrylate, typical amounts are less than 10% and preferably from
zero to less than 5%. When the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer units are based on (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer, such as butyl methacrylate or isobutyl
methacrylate, typical amounts are less than 15% and preferably from
zero to less than 10%.
[0024] Typically, the amount of (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer units in the first polymer [P.sub.1] is from
30 to 75%, preferably from 35 to less than 70% and more preferably
from 40 to 65%, based on total first polymer weight. Typically, the
amount of (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units in
the second polymer [P.sub.2] is from 75 to 100%, preferably from 80
to 97% and more preferably from 85 to 95%, based on total second
polymer weight. Preferred (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl (meth)acrylate
monomers useful in the preparation of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2]
include, for example, isodecyl methacrylate, lauryl-myristyl
methacrylate and dodecyl-pentadecyl methacrylate.
[0025] Typically, the amount of (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer units in the first polymer [P.sub.1] is from
25 to 70%, preferably from greater than 30 up to 65% and more
preferably from 35 to 60%, based on total first polymer weight.
Typically, the amount of (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylate
monomer units in the second polymer [P.sub.2] is from zero to 25%,
preferably from 3 to 20% and more preferably from 5 to 15%, based
on total second polymer weight. Preferred (C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomers useful in the preparation of [P.sub.1] and
[P.sub.2] include, for example, cetyl-eicosyl methacrylate and
cetyl-stearyl methacrylate.
[0026] Typically, the first and second polymers are combined in a
weight ratio ([P.sub.1]/[P.sub.2]) of 5/95 to 75/25, preferably
from 10/90 to 60/40 and more preferably from 15/85 to 50/50.
Selected copolymers combined in the specified ratios of the present
invention offer wider applicability in treatment of base oils from
different sources when compared to the use of a single polymer
additive or combinations of polymer additives having similar
monomeric compositions or molecular weights. Particularly useful
polymer compositions of the present invention include the first
polymers [P.sub.1] described above in combination with second
polymers [P.sub.2] having 90 to 100% (C.sub.7-C.sub.15)alkyl
(meth)acrylate monomer units and zero to 10%
(C.sub.16-C.sub.24)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units. The selected
copolymer additive formulations of the present invention provide
improved low temperature fluidity based on a combination of
performance criteria (such as low-shear rate viscosity, yield
stress and gel index) in a variety of lubricating oils heretofore
not achievable.
[0027] Optionally, other monomers may be polymerized in combination
with the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers discussed above, for example
acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, styrene, alkyl
substituted (meth)acrylamides, monoethylenically unsaturated
nitrogen-containing ring compounds, vinyl halides, vinyl nitriles
and vinyl ethers. The amount of optional monomer used is typically
zero to less than 10%, preferably zero to less than 5% and more
preferably zero to less than 2%, based on total weight of monomers
used. The optional monomers may be used as long they do not
significantly affect the low temperature properties or the
compatibility of the polymer additive with other lubricating oil
composition components. The aforementioned discussion on use of
optional monomers during the preparation of the alkyl
(meth)acrylate polymers is also applicable to the other classes of
polymers, such as vinylaromatic polymers,
vinylaromatic-(meth)acrylic acid derivative copolymers,
vinylaromatic-maleic acid derivative copolymers, vinyl alcohol
ester-fumaric acid derivative copolymers, .alpha.-olefin-vinyl
alcohol ester copolymers and .alpha.-olefin-maleic acid derivative
copolymers.
[0028] Suitable monoethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing
ring compounds include, for example, vinylpyridine,
2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine, 2-ethyl-5-vinylpyridine,
3-methyl-5-vinylpyridine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-vinylpyridine,
2-methyl-3-ethyl-5-vinylpyridine, methyl-substituted quinolines and
isoquinolines, 1-vinylimidazole, 2-methyl-1-vinylimidazole,
N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylbutyrolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone.
[0029] Suitable vinyl halides include, for example, vinyl chloride,
vinyl fluoride, vinyl bromide, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene
fluoride and vinylidene bromide. Suitable vinyl nitrites include,
for example, acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile.
[0030] Well known bulk, emulsion or solution polymerization
processes may be used to prepare the alkyl (meth)acrylate polymers
useful in the present invention, including batch, semi-batch or
semi-continuous methods. Typically, the polymers are prepared by
solution (solvent) polymerization by mixing the selected monomers
in the presence of a polymerization initiator, a diluent and
optionally a chain transfer agent.
[0031] Generally, the temperature of the polymerization may be up
to the boiling point of the system, for example, from about 60 to
150.degree. C., preferably from 85 to 130.degree. C. and more
preferably from 110 to 120.degree. C., although the polymerization
can be conducted under pressure if higher temperatures are used.
The polymerization (including monomer feed and hold times) is run
generally for about 4 to 10 hours, preferably from 2 to 3 hours, or
until the desired degree of polymerization has been reached, for
example until at least 90%, preferably at least 95% and more
preferably at least 97%, of the copolymerizable monomers has been
converted to copolymer. As is recognized by those skilled in the
art, the time and temperature of the reaction are dependent on the
choice of initiator and target molecular weight and can be varied
accordingly.
[0032] When the polymers are prepared by solvent (non-aqeuous)
poymerizations, initiators suitable for use are any of the well
known free-radical-producing compounds such as peroxy, hydroperoxy
and azo initiators, including, for example, acetyl peroxide,
benzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxyisobutyrate,
caproyl peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, 1,
1-di(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane,
azobisisobutyronitrile and tert-butyl peroctoate (also known as
tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate). The initiator concentration is
typically between 0.025 and 1%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.5%, more
preferably from 0.1 to 0.4% and most preferably from 0.2 to 0.3%,
by weight based on the total weight of the monomers. In addition to
the initiator, one or more promoters may also be used. Suitable
promoters include, for example, quaternary ammonium salts such as
benzyl(hydrogenated-tallow)-dimethylammonium chloride and amines.
Preferably the promoters are soluble in hydrocarbons. When used,
these promoters are present at levels from about 1% to 50%,
preferably from about 5% to 25%, based on total weight of
initiator. Chain transfer agents may also be added to the
polymerization reaction to control the molecular weight of the
polymer. The preferred chain transfer agents are alkyl mercaptans
such as lauryl mercaptan (also known as dodecyl mercaptan, DDM),
and the concentration of chain transfer agent used is from zero to
about 2%, preferably from zero to 1%, by weight.
[0033] When the polymerization is conducted as a solution
polymerization using a solvent other than water, the reaction may
be conducted at up to about 100% (where the polymer formed acts as
its own solvent) or up to about 70%, preferably from 40 to 60%, by
weight of polymerizable monomers based on the total reaction
mixture. The solvents can be introduced into the reaction vessel as
a heel charge, or can be fed into the reactor either as a separate
feed stream or as a diluent for one of the other components being
fed into the reactor.
[0034] Diluents may be added to the monomer mix or they may be
added to the reactor along with the monomer feed. Diluents may also
be used to provide a solvent heel, preferably non-reactive, for the
polymerization, in which case they are added to the reactor before
the monomer and initiator feeds are started to provide an
appropriate volume of liquid in the reactor to promote good mixing
of the monomer and initiator feeds, particularly in the early part
of the polymerization. Preferably, materials selected as diluents
should be substantially non-reactive towards the initiators or
intermediates in the polymerization to minimize side reactions such
as chain transfer and the like. The diluent may also be any
polymeric material which acts as a solvent and is otherwise
compatible with the monomers and polymerization ingredients being
used.
[0035] Among the diluents suitable for use in the process of the
present invention for non-aqueous solution polymerizations are
aromatic hydrocarbons (such as benzene, toluene, xylene and
aromatic naphthas), chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as ethylene
dichloride, chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzene), esters (such as
ethyl propionate or butyl acetate), (C.sub.6-C.sub.20)aliphatic
hydrocarbons (such as cyclohexane, heptane and octane), mineral
oils (such as paraffinic and naphthenic oils) or synthetic base
oils (such as poly(.alpha.-olefin) oligomer (PAO) lubricating oils,
for example, .alpha.-decene dimers, trimers and mixtures thereof).
When the concentrate is directly blended into a lubricating base
oil, the more preferred diluent is any mineral oil, such as 100 to
150 neutral oil (100N or 150N oil), which is compatible with the
final lubricating base oil.
[0036] In the preparation of lubricating oil additive polymers, the
resultant polymer solution, after the polymerization, generally has
a polymer content of about 50 to 95% by weight. The polymer can be
isolated and used directly in lubricating oil formulations or the
polymer-diluent solution can be used in a concentrate form. When
used in the concentrate form the polymer concentration can be
adjusted to any desirable level with additional diluent. The
preferred concentration of polymer in the concentrate is from 30 to
70% by weight and more preferably from 40 to 60%, with the
remainder comprising a lubricating oil diluent.
[0037] When polymers useful by the process of the present invention
are added to base oil fluids to improve low temperature fluidity,
whether added as pure polymers or as concentrates, the final
concentration of polymer in the formulated fluid is typically from
0.03 to 3%. For example, when a selected alkyl (meth)acrylate
copolymer additive combination is used to maintain low temperature
fluidity in lubricating oils the final concentration of the
additive combination in the formulated fluid is typically from 0.03
to 3%, preferably from 0.05 to 2% and more preferably from 0.1 to
1%.
[0038] The base oil fluids used in formulating the improved
lubricating oil compositions of the present invention include, for
example, conventional base stocks selected from API (American
Petroleum Institute) base stock categories known as Group I and
Group II. The Group I and II base stocks are mineral oil materials
(such as paraffinic and naphthenic oils) having a viscosity index
(or VI) of less than 120; Group I is further differentiated from
Group II in that the latter contains greater than 90% saturated
materials and the former contains less than 90% saturated material
(that is more than 10% unsaturated material). Viscosity Index is a
measure of the degree of viscosity change as a function of
temperature; high VI values indicate a smaller change in viscosity
with temperature variation compared to low VI values. Improved
lubricating oil compositions of the present invention involve the
use of base stocks that are substantially of the API Group I and II
type; the compositions may optionally contain minor amounts of
other types of base stocks.
[0039] The improved lubricating oil compositions provided by the
present invention contain from 0.1 to 20%, preferably from 1 to 15%
and more preferably from 2 to 10%, based on total lubricating oil
composition weight, of one or more auxiliary additives.
Representative of these auxiliary additives are those found, for
example, in dispersant-inhibitor (DI) packages of additives used by
commercial lubricating oil formulators: an antiwear or antioxidant
component, such as zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate; a
nitrogen-containing ashless dispersant, such as polyisobutene based
succinimide; a detergent additive, such as metal phenate or
sulfonate; a friction modifier, such as a sulfur-containing
organic; extreme pressure additives; corrosion inhibitors; and an
antifoam agent, such as silicone fluid. Additional auxiliary
additives include, for example, non-dispersant or dispersant
viscosity index improvers.
[0040] The weight-average molecular weight (M.sub.w) of polymers
useful in the present invention may be from 10,000 to 1,500,000 and
preferably from 10,000 to 1,000,000. In general, the lower
molecular weight alkyl (meth)acrylate low temperature fluidity
additives, [P.sub.2], useful in the present invention have M.sub.w
from 10,000 to 1,500,000, preferably from 10,000 to 1,000,000, more
preferably from 10,000 to 500,000 and most preferably from 20,000
to 200,000 (as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC),
using poly(alkylmethacrylate) standards). The higher molecular
weight alkyl (meth)acrylate polymeric low temperature fluidity
additives, [P.sub.1], of the present invention have M.sub.w from
250,000 to 1,500,000, preferably from 250,000 to 1,000,000, more
preferably from 300,000 to 800,000 and most preferably from 400,000
to 600,000. The weight average molecular weight of [P.sub.1] is
typically at least 50,000 greater than, preferably at least 100,000
greater than, and more preferably at least 200,000 greater than
that of [P.sub.2]. When the difference between M.sub.w values of
[P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] is less than about 50,000, the beneficial
effect of combining [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] versus using each
polymer individually is diminished with regard to satisfying
simultaneously the low-shear rate viscosity, yield stress and gel
index target properties of the treated oils.
[0041] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the molecular
weights set forth throughout this specification are relative to the
methods by which they are determined. For example, molecular
weights determined by GPC and molecular weights calculated by other
methods, may have different values.
[0042] The properties of low-shear rate viscosity, yield stress and
gel index are more indicative measures of low temperature lubricant
fluidity over longer time frames at slow cooling rates (extended
use) than can be predicted from the ASTM pour point test (pour
point is the lowest temperature at which the lubricant formulation
remains fluid). The latter test (ASTM D 97) is of short duration of
approximately one to two hours (from room temperature to lower
temperature using a relatively rapid cooling rate of approximately
1.degree. F./minute), whereas (1) the mini-rotary viscosity test
(MRV TP-1, low-shear rate viscosity) involves slow cooling of the
lubricating oil formulation at low temperatures using a cooling
rate of about 0.3.degree. C./hour to evaluate fluidity and yield
stress, and (2) the Scanning Brookfield Technique (SBT) test
involves measurements of gel index (proportional to rapid changes
in viscosity) and the lowest temperature achievable for a specified
viscosity target using cooling rates of 1.degree. C./hour. The MRV
TP-1 and SBT tests are used to estimate performance of lubricating
oils for outdoor use under cold temperature conditions based on
performance properties beyond the traditional "flow" or "no-flow"
characteristics of the ASTM pour point test.
[0043] Pumpability of an oil at low temperatures, as measured by
the mini-rotary viscometer (MRV), relates to viscosity under
low-shear conditions at engine startup. Since the MRV test is a
measure of pumpability, the engine oil must be fluid enough so that
it can be pumped to all engine parts after engine startup to
provide adequate lubrication. ASTM D-4684 deals with viscosity
measurement in the temperature range of -10 to -40.degree. C. and
describes the MRV TP-1 test. SAE J300 Engine Oil Viscosity
Classification (March 1997) allows a maximum of 60
pascal.multidot.seconds (Pa.multidot.sec) or 600 poise for
formulated oils (at -40.degree. C. for SAE 0W-XX, -35.degree. C.
for SAE 5W-XX, -30.degree. C. for SAE 10W-XX, -25.degree. C. for
SAE 15W-XX, -20.degree. C. for SAE 20W-XX, and -15.degree. C. for
SAE 25W-XX) using the ASTM D-4684 test procedure; preferably, the
low-shear rate viscosity as measured by this test is less than 55
Pa.multidot.sec and more preferably less than 50 Pa.multidot.sec.
Another aspect of low temperature performance measured by the MRV
TP-1 test is yield stress (recorded in pascals); the target value
for yield stress is "zero" pascals, although any value less than 35
pascals (limit of sensitivity of equipment) is recorded as "zero"
yield stress. Yield stress values of greater than 35 pascals
signify increasing degrees of less desirable performance.
[0044] Another measure of low temperature performance of
lubricating oil compositions, referred to as Scanning Brookfield
Technique (ASTM 5133), measures the lowest temperatures achievable
by an oil formulation before the viscosity exceeds 30.0
Pa.multidot.sec (or 300 poise). Lubricating oil compositions having
lower "30 Pa.multidot.sec temperature" values are expected to
maintain their fluidity at low temperatures more readily than other
compositions having higher "30 Pa.multidot.sec temperatures;"
target value for SAE 5W-30 formulated oils is below about
-30.degree. C. Another aspect of low temperature performance
measured by ASTM 5133 is the "gel index," based on a dimensionless
scale (typically ranging from 3 to 100 units) that indicates the
tendency of the lubricating oil composition to "gel" or "setup" as
a function of a decreasing temperature profile at low temperature
conditions; low gel index values indicate good low temperature
fluidity with target values being less than about 8 to 12 units;
the ILSAC (International Lubricant Standards and Acceptance
Committee) specifications (GF-2) for SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30 oils
require gel index values to be less than 12 units.
[0045] For the purposes of the present invention, "maintaining low
temperature fluidity" means that low-shear rate viscosity, yield
stress (MRV TP-1 test) and gel index targets (SBT), as discussed
above, are satisfied simultaneously by adding a combination of
selected high and low molecular weight polymers to a lubricating
oil composition. The method of the present invention provides
improved low temperature fluidity by selecting and combining the
first [P.sub.1] and second [P.sub.2] polymers in a weight ratio
such that the lubricating oil composition has (a) a "gel index" of
less than 12, preferably less than 10, more preferably less than
8.5, and most preferably less than 6; and (b) a "low-shear rate
viscosity" of less than 60 Pa.multidot.sec, preferably less than 55
Pa.multidot.sec and more preferably less than 50 Pa.multidot.sec,
with a "yield stress" of less than 35 pascals.
[0046] Example 1 provides general information for preparing
polymers useful in the present invention; Example 2 provides
properties of the untreated formulated oils used to evaluate
polymers in lubricating oil compositions of the present invention;
Example 3 summarizes composition and performance data on
lubricating oil compositions containing the polymers (Tables 1, 1A,
1B and 2). All ratios, parts and percentages (%) are expressed by
weight unless otherwise specified, and all reagents used are of
good commercial quality unless otherwise specified.
[0047] Abbreviations used in the Examples and Tables are listed
below with the corresponding descriptions; polymer additive
compositions (#1-#14) are designated by the relative proportions of
monomers used and polymers combined.
1 LMA = Lauryl-Myristyl Methacrylate Mixture DPMA =
Dodecyl-Pentadecyl Methacrylate Mixture SMA = Cetyl-Stearyl
Methacrylate Mixture CEMA = Cetyl-Eicosyl Methacrylate Mixture DDM
= Dodecyl Mercaptan SBT = Scanning Brookfield Technique NM = Not
Measured 1 = 70/30 LMA/CEMA M.sub.w = 582,000 2 = 70/30 LMA/CEMA
M.sub.w = 122,000 3 = 94/6 LMA/SMA M.sub.w = 73,400 4 = 94/6
LMA/SMA M.sub.w = 1,180,000 5 = 50/50 #2/#3 6 = 50/50 #1/#3 7 =
50/50 #1/#4 8 = 50/50 #3/#4 9 = 50/50 #2/#4 10 = 50/50 #1/#2 11 =
65 LMA/35 SMA M.sub.w = 635,000 12 = 85 DPMA/15 CEMA M.sub.w =
92,000 13 = 14/86 #11/#3 14 = 37/63 #11/#12
EXAMPLE 1
Preparation of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] Polymers
[0048] Typically, the individual [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] polymers
were prepared according to the following description,
representative of a conventional solution polymerization process
with appropriate adjustments for desired polymer composition and
molecular weight. A monomer mix was prepared containing 131 to 762
parts of CEMA or SMA (6-35%), 1416 to 2047 parts of LMA or DPMA
(65-94%), 2.9 parts of tert-butyl peroctoate solution (50% in
odorless mineral spirits) and about 9 to 13 parts of DDM. Sixty
percent of this mix, 1316 parts, was charged to a nitrogen-flushed
reactor. The reactor was heated to a desired polymerization
temperature of 110.degree. C. and the remainder of the monomer mix
was fed to the reactor at a uniform rate over 60 minutes. Upon
completion of the monomer feed the reactor contents were held at
110.degree. C. for an additional 30 min., then 5.9 parts of
tert-butyl peroctoate solution (50% in odorless mineral spirits)
dissolved in 312 parts of 100N polymerization oil were fed to the
reactor at a uniform rate over 60 min. The reactor contents were
held for 30 min. at 110.degree. C. and then diluted with 980 parts
of 100N polymerization oil. The reaction solution was stirred for
an additional 30 min. and then transferred from the reactor. The
resultant solution contained approximately 60% polymer solids which
represented approximately 98% conversion of monomer to polymer.
[0049] The individual polymers [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] prepared as
above were then evaluated separately or combined in various ratios
for low temperature performance evaluations.
EXAMPLE 2
Untreated Formulated Oil Properties
[0050] The properties of untreated commercial formulated oils
(without low temperature fluidity additive, but including DI
package and VI improver additive) used to evaluate the low
temperature fluidity additives of the present invention are
presented below: pour point according to ASTM D 97 (indicates
ability to remain fluid at very low temperatures and is designated
as the lowest temperature at which the oil remains fluid),
viscosity index (VI), kinematic and dynamic (ASTM D 5293) bulk
viscosity properties.
2 Formulated* Formulated* Formulated* Oil A Oil B Oil C Kinematic
Viscosity: 1000.degree. C. (10.sup.6 m.sup.2/sec) 10.23 9.99 13.39
400.degree. C. (10.sup.6 m.sup.2/sec) 60.84 60.31 94.31 SAE Grade
5W-30 5W-30 10W-40 Viscosity Index 156 152 141 ASTM D 97, Temp
(.degree. C.) -12 -15 -15 ASTM D 5293 -25 -25 -20 Temperature
(.degree. C.) Viscosity (Pa.sec) 3.18 3.52 3.39 *without low
temperature fluidity additive, includes DI package and VI improver
additive
EXAMPLE 3
Low Temperature Performance Properties
[0051] Tables 1, 1A, 1B and 2 present data indicative of low
temperature pumpability performance for polymeric additive
combinations useful in the present invention in comparison with the
individual polymer additives and combinations of additives outside
the scope of the present invention. The data in the tables are
Treat Rate (weight % of polymer additive in formulated oil) and the
corresponding low-shear rate viscosities, yield stress (at
-30.degree. C. or -35.degree. C.) and gel index values in different
formulated oils. Low-shear rate viscosities (below 60
Pa.multidot.sec), "zero" pascal yield stress values and gel index
values below 12 represent the minimum acceptable target
properties.
3TABLE 1 Effect of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] Combinations on Low
Temperature Properties in Formulated Oil A Low-Shear Rate Viscosity
(MRV TP-1) -35.degree. C. Vis- SBT Treat cosity -35.degree. C.
Yield (ASTM D 5133) ID # Rate (Pa.sec) Stress, Pa Gel Index Oil A
0.00 254.3 240 42.3 1 0.06 58.0 0 6.4 2 0.06 85.0 105 5.3 3 0.06
46.3 0 38.8 4 0.06 86.9 35 NM 5 0.03/0.03 64.5 35 5.1 6 0.03/0.03
56.8 0 5.2 7 0.03/0.03 57.2 0 5.1 8 0.03/0.03 86.5 35 39.6 9
0.03/0.03 61.0 70 5.2 10 0.03/0.03 68.0 0 5.0 14 0.022/0.038 58.8 0
5.3
[0052]
4TABLE 1A Effect of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] Combinations on Low
Temperature Properties in Formulated Oil B Low-Shear Rate Viscosity
(MRV TP-1) -35.degree. C. Vis- SBT Treat cosity -35.degree. C.
Yield (ASTM D 5133) ID # Rate (Pa.sec) Stress, Pa Gel Index Oil B
0.00 81.4 35 10.3 13 0.016/0.096 36.9 0 4.6 13 0.012/0.072 36.1 0
4.5 13 0.008/0.05 38.9 0 5.2 13 0.004/0.025 42.8 0 5.3
[0053]
5TABLE 1B Effect of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] Combinations on Low
Temperature Properties in Formulated Oil C Low-Shear Rate Viscosity
(MRV TP-1) -30.degree. C. Vis- SBT Treat cosity -30.degree. C.
Yield (ASTM D 5133) ID # Rate (Pa.sec) Stress, Pa Gel Index Oil C
0.00 84.8 70 13.6 13 0.016/0.096 39.4 0 4.6 13 0.012/0.072 38.5 0
5.9 13 0.008/0.05 39.4 0 5.5 13 0.004/0.025 48.7 0 10.2
[0054]
6TABLE 2 Effect of [P.sub.1] and [P.sub.2] Ratio on Low Temperature
Properties in Formulated Oil A Low-Shear Rate Viscosity (MRV TP-1)
-35.degree. C. Vis- SBT [P.sub.1]/ Treat cosity -35.degree. C.
Yield (ASTM D 5133) [P.sub.2]* Rate (Pa.sec) Stress, Pa Gel Index
Oil A 0.00 254.3 240 42.3 80/20 0.048/0.012 68.2 0 4.9 60/40
0.036/0.024 59.8 0 5.1 50/50 0.03/0.03 56.8 0 5.2 40/60 0.024/0.036
59.5 0 5.1 30/70 0.018/0.042 60.9 0 4.2 20/80 0.012/0.048 51.4 0
4.2 *[P.sub.1] = #1, [P.sub.2] = #3
[0055] The following discussion is based on the data in Tables 1,
1A and 1B. Combinations of polymers having similar molecular
weights (#5) or similar compositions (#8 and #10) are ineffective
in providing a satisfactory combination of low temperature fluidity
properties. Combinations of polymers having different M.sub.w
giving an intermediate M.sub.w provide a satisfactory combination
of low temperature fluidity properties when the combination (#6,
#13 and #14) is made up of a higher M.sub.w polymer having a higher
(C.sub.16-C.sub.24) content (such as #1 or #11) with a lower
M.sub.w polymer having a lower (C.sub.16-C.sub.24) content (such as
#3 or #12). These data support the discovery that the best
combination of low temperature fluidity performance properties
occurs when the higher M.sub.w polymer has the higher
(C.sub.16-C.sub.24) content range and the lower M.sub.w polymer has
the lower (C.sub.16-C.sub.24) content range.
* * * * *