FR2919300A1 - LUBRICANT COMPOSITION - Google Patents

Abstract

A lubricant composition comprising a base oil wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins is in the range of 30 to 400.The lubricant composition further comprises a detergent inhibitor formulation.Applications: operating a motor, transmission or gear train using said lubricant composition.

Description

The present invention relates to a lubricating composition comprising a

  base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of about 30 to about 400, and methods for its use. In recent years, compositional differences among lubricants have become an increasingly important issue as applications for evolving engines and industrial applications require higher quality lubricants with improved functionality. For example, it has become increasingly important to produce lubricants that can increase power transmission, for example by increasing torque, in a machine. In addition, modern engine oil specifications require lubricants that are fuel-efficient in standard engine tests. In the past, in order to meet new performance requirements, formulation specialists have improved lubricants by choosing and incorporating more reliable additive formulations. However, it is known that certain additives are very expensive. In addition, the use of additional amounts of an additive in a lubricant composition to achieve various functions, for example to reduce thin-film friction or to extend the useful life of a lubricant, can be very costly for the manufacturer. An essential component of a lubricant composition may be the base oil, which is relatively inexpensive. Base oils are known and have been classified in Groups I to v. The base oils are placed in a given group based on their percentage of saturated compounds, their percentage of sulfur and their viscosity number. For example, all Group III base oils comprise more than 90% saturated compounds, less than 0.03% sulfur, and have a viscosity number greater than or equal to 120. However, the proportions of aromatic compounds, paraffinic and naphthenic compounds can vary substantially in a Group of base oils. It is now known that the difference in these proportions can have an effect on the properties of a lubricant composition, for example a higher torque. It is necessary to have a lubricant composition that is inexpensive and that provides at least one of the properties of higher torque, reduced viscosity under high shear conditions at high temperature, and increased economy of operation. fuel.

  In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lubricant composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of about 30 to about 400.

  In one aspect, there is provided a method for improving torque in a machine, comprising the step of providing the machine with a composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil. is in the range of about 30 to about 400. In another aspect, there is provided a method for improving torque in a machine, comprising the step of providing the machine with a composition comprising a base oil having a reduced viscosity under high shear conditions at high temperature compared to another base oil. In a further aspect, there is provided a method for increasing fuel economy in a vehicle, comprising the step of providing the vehicle with a composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the carrier The base oil is in the range of about 30 to about 400. In a further aspect, there is provided a method for reducing the thin-film friction of a fluid between surfaces, comprising the step of providing the surfaces a composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of about 30 to about 400.

  Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description and may be acquired by the practice of the present invention. The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by means of particularly emphasized elements and combinations. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not limit the present invention. The present invention relates to lubricant compositions comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of about 30 to about 400. As used herein The term "isoparaffins" refers to paraffins comprising branched hydrocarbyl chains. As used in the present invention, the term normal paraffins refers to paraffins comprising straight hydrocarbyl chains. As used in the present invention, the term I / N ratio refers to the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins.

  As used in the present invention, the term hydrocarbyl and the hydrocarbyl and hydrocarbyl substituent terms are used in their usual sense, which is well known to those skilled in the art. More specifically, they denote a group having a carbon atom attached directly to the rest of the molecule and having a predominantly hydrocarbon character. Examples of hydrocarbyl groups include: (1) hydrocarbon substituents, i.e., aliphatic substituents (e.g., alkyl or alkenyl), alicyclic substituents (e.g. cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl) and aromatic-substituted aromatic substituents, aliphatic and alicyclic, as well as cyclic substituents in which the ring is supplemented by another part of the molecule (for example two substituents together form an alicyclic radical); (2) substituted hydrocarbon substituents, i.e., substituents containing non-hydrocarbon groups which, in the context of the present invention, do not modify the predominantly hydrocarbon substituent (e.g. halo (especially chloro and fluoro), hydroxy, alkoxy, mercapto, alkylmercapto, nitro, nitroso and sulfoxy); (3) Heterosubstituents, i.e., substituents which, while having a predominantly hydrocarbon character, in the context of the present invention, contain atoms other than carbon atoms in a ring or chain consisting of elsewhere of carbon atoms. The heteroatoms include sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen and include substituents such as pyridyl, furyl, thienyl and imidazolyl substituents. In general, the non-hydrocarbon substituents will be present in a number of no more than two, for example not more than one, per ten carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl group; there will typically be no non-hydrocarbon substituent in the hydrocarbyl group.

  Base oils suitable for use in the present invention may be selected from any of synthetic oils, mineral oils, or mixtures thereof.

  Mineral oils include animal oils and vegetable oils (eg castor oil, lard oil) as well as other mineral lubricating oils such as petroleum-derived liquid oils and mineral lubricating oils treated with a mineral oil. solvent, acid treated, hydroisomerized or hydrocracked paraffin-type, naphthenic type or mixed paraffinic-naphthenic type. Oils derived from coal or shale are also suitable. In addition, oils from a gas-to-liquid process are also suitable. The base oil may be present in a major amount, with the proviso that the term "controlling amount" refers to an amount of greater than or equal to 50%, eg, about 80 to about 98% by weight of the lubricant composition. The base oil can have any desired viscosity that is suitable for the intended purpose. Examples of suitable kinematic viscosity of motor oils may range from about 2 to about 150 cSt and, by way of further example, from about 5 to about 15 cSt to 100 c. Thus, fully finished oils can be evaluated as having viscosity ranges from about SAE to about SAE 250, and, as a further example, from about SAE 20W to about SAE 50. Suitable automotive and gear oils also include multigrade oils such as 15W-40, 20W-50, 75W-140, 80W-90, 85W-140, 85W-90 and similar oils.

  Non-limiting examples of synthetic oils include hydrocarbon oils such as polymerized and interpolymerized olefins (e.g. polybutylenes, polypropylenes, propylene-isobutylene copolymers and similar polymers); poly-alpha-olefins such as poly- (1-hexenes), poly- (1-octenes), poly (1-decenes) and similar poly-alpha-olefins, and mixtures thereof; internal polyolefins such as poly- (2-butenes), poly- (2-pentenes), poly- (3-hexenes) and similar polymers and mixtures thereof; polyalkylbenzenes (e.g., dodecylbenzenes, tetradecylbenzenes, di-nonylbenzenes, di- (2-ethylhexyl) benzenes and similar polyalkylbenzenes); polyphenyls (eg biphenyls, terphenyl, alkylated polyphenyls and similar polyphenyls); alkylated diphenyl ethers and alkylated diphenyl sulfides and their derivatives, analogs and homologs, as well as similar compounds. Alkylene oxide polymers and interpolymers and derivatives thereof wherein the terminal hydroxyl groups have been modified by esterification, etherification or the like are another class of known synthetic oils that can be used. These oils are illustrated by the oils prepared by polymerization of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, the alkyl ethers and aryl ethers of these polyoxyalkylene type polymers (for example polyisopropylene glycol methyl ether having a molecular weight average of about 1000, polyethylene glycol diphenyl ether having a molecular weight of about 500 to 1000, polypropylene glycol diethyl ether having a molecular weight of about 1000 to 1500 and similar polymers); or their mono- and polycarboxylic esters, for example the acetic acid esters, the C 3 to C 8 mixed fatty acid esters or the C 13 oxy acid diester of tetraethylene glycol.

  Another class of synthetic oils which may be used includes dicarboxylic acid esters (eg, phthalic acid, succinic acid, alkylsuccinic acids, alkenylsuccinic acids, maleic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic acid dimer, malonic acid, alkyl malonic acids, alkenyl malonic acids and the like) with various alcohols (eg butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoether, propylene glycol, and the like). similar alcohols). Specific examples of these esters include dibutyl adipate, di- (2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexyl fumarate, dioctyl sebacate, diisooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate, dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, di-eicosyl sebacate, linoleic acid dimer 2-ethylhexyl diester, the complex ester formed by reacting one mole of sebacic acid with two moles of tetraethylene glycol and two moles of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, and similar esters. Esters useful as synthetic oils also include those prepared from C5 to C12 monocarboxylic acids and polyols and polyol ethers such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol and the like. Accordingly, the base oil that can be used to prepare the compositions described in the present invention can be selected from any of the Group I to V base oils as specified in the Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines. American Petroleum Institute (API). These groups of base oils are as follows: Group I contains less than 90% saturated compounds and / or more than 0.03% sulfur and a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120; Group II contains an amount greater than or equal to 90% saturated compounds and less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120; Group III contains an amount greater than or equal to 90% saturated compounds and less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 120; Group IV consists of poly-alpha-olefins (PAO); and Group V includes all other basic lubricating oils not incorporated in Group I, II, III or IV. In one embodiment, the base oil comprises a Group II + base oil. In another embodiment, the base oil comprises a Group III base oil.

  The test methods used in the definition of the abovementioned groups are the ASTM D 2007 method for saturated compounds; ASTM D 2270 method for viscosity index; and one of ASTM D 2622, 4294, 4927 and 3120 for sulfur.

  Group IV lubricating oils, i.e., poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs), comprise hydrogenated oligomers of an alpha-olefin, the most important oligomerization processes being free radical processes, the Ziegler catalysis and Friedel-Crafts cation catalysis. The poly-alpha-olefins usually have viscosities in the range of from 2 to 100 cSt at 100 ° C, for example from 4 to 8 cSt at 100 ° C. They may consist, for example, of alpha-olefin oligomers branched or straight chain having from about 2 to about 30 carbon atoms; non-limiting examples include polypropenes, polyisobutenes, poly-1-butenes, poly-1-hexenes, poly-1-octenes and poly-1-decene. Homopolymers, interpolymers and mixtures thereof are included.

  With respect to the remainder of the basic lubricating oil mentioned above, a Group I lubricating oil also includes a Group I lubricating oil to which one or more lubricating base oils can be blended. one or more other groups, provided that the resulting mixture has characteristics within the range of the characteristics specified above for Group I lubricating oils.

  Examples of base lubricating oils include Group I base lubricating oils and Group II base lubricating oil mixtures with a Group I bright viscosity high viscosity base lubricating oil.

  Basic lubricating oils suitable for use in the present invention can be prepared using a variety of different processes including, but not limited to, distillation, solvent refining, hydrogen treatment, oligomerization, esterification and regeneration. The base oil can be an oil derived from hydrocarbons synthesized by the Fischer-Tropsch process. Hydrocarbons synthesized by the Fischer-Tropsch process can be prepared from a synthesis gas containing H 2 and CO using a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. These hydrocarbons usually require additional processing in order to be useful as the base oil. For example, the hydrocarbons can be hydroisomerized using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 6,103,099 or 6,180,575; hydrocracked and hydroisomerized using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 4,943,672 or 6,096,940; dewaxed using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 5,882,505; or hydroisomerized and dewaxed using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 6,013,171; 6,080,301; or 6,165,949. Unrefined oils, refined oils and regenerated, mineral or synthetic oils (as well as mixtures of two or more of any of these oils) of the type described above may be used in base oils. Unrefined oils are those obtained directly from a mineral or synthetic source without further purification treatment. For example, a shale oil obtained directly from pyrogenation operations, a petroleum oil obtained directly from primary distillation or an ester oil obtained directly by an esterification process and used without further treatment would be an unrefined oil. Refined oils are similar to unrefined oils except that they have been further processed in one or more purification steps to improve one or more properties. Most of these purification techniques are known to those skilled in the art, examples being solvent extraction, secondary distillation, acid or base extraction, filtration, percolation and the like. . The regenerated oils are obtained by processes similar to those used to obtain refined oils applied to refined oils which have already been put into service. These regenerated oils are also known as reprocessed or reprocessed oils and are often further processed by techniques for the removal of spent additives, contaminants and oil degradation products. In one aspect, the base oil used in the present invention can meet standards corresponding to GF-4 standards and beyond established by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC).

  In one embodiment, the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil may range from about 30 to about 400, for example from about 50 to about 300.

  In another aspect, the base oil may further comprise an average number of paraffin carbon atoms of less than about 23. The average number of paraffin carbon atoms may be readily determined by the man of the present invention. art, for example by multiplying the number of carbon atoms in each type of paraffin in the composition by the percentage by weight of each type of paraffin and then adding the products. The described composition may also comprise a detergent inhibitor (DI) formulation which can provide various amounts of additives, depending on the needs of the application. In one aspect, the DI formulation may comprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of oxidation inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, friction modifiers, antiwear agents, extreme pressure agents, detergents, dispersants, antifoam agents, pour point depressants, deodorants, seal swelling agents, demulsifiers, dyes and fluidizing agents.

  In one embodiment, the DI formulation may comprise a detergent selected from any of the detergents known to those skilled in the art. Suitable detergents include, but are not limited to, Mannich bases, polyalkylene amines, polyalkylene succinimides wherein the polyalkylene group usually has a number average molecular weight of from about 600 to about 2000, e.g. about 800 to about 1400, polyether amines, neutral or overbased metal salts consisting of sulfonates, phenates, salicylates and carboxylates, and mixtures thereof.

  As used herein, the terms neutral and overbased are used according to their usual meanings, which are well known to those skilled in the art. More specifically, it is understood that the term "neutral" refers to a complex of a salt that contains a substantially stoichiometric amount of the metal relative to the salt. It is understood that the term overbased refers to a complex of a salt that contains a metal in a stoichiometric excess over the amount required to form the neutral salt. In one aspect, the detergents may have a Total Base Number (TBN) in the range of from about 40 to about 600, for example from about 100 to about 400 or from about 140 to about 350. The TBN is measured according to ASTM D 2896. The metal of the neutral or overbased metal salt can be an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. Non-limiting examples of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, strontium and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the detergent may be an overbased calcium sulfonate. In another aspect, the disclosed composition may comprise a pour point depressant selected from any of the pour point depressants known to those skilled in the art. Suitable pour point depressants include, but are not limited to, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, condensation products of halogenated paraffin waxes and aromatic compounds, and polymers of vinyl carboxylates, such as ethylene-acetate copolymers. vinyl. Other nonlimiting examples of compounds which are useful as pour point depressants include terpolymers prepared by polymerization of a dialkyl fumarate, a vinyl ester of a fatty acid and a vinyl alkyl ether. . Techniques for the preparation of these polymers and their uses are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,250,715, which is incorporated by reference in the present invention. In one embodiment, the pour point depressant may be a polymethacrylate. In a further aspect, the disclosed composition may comprise a viscosity index improver selected from any of the viscosity index improvers known to those skilled in the art. Suitable viscosity index improvers include, but are not limited to, hydrocarbyl polymers that are reacted or grafted with nitrogen polymers; copolymers of alkyl methacrylates reacted with or grafted with nitrogenous monomers, such as N-vinylpyridine, N-vinylpyrrolidone and N, N'-dimethylaminoethylene; poly (alkyl acrylate) obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of one or more alkyl acrylates; functionalized polymers; and similar polymers. Examples of functionalized polymers include, but are not limited to, olefin copolymers and copolymers of acrylate or methacrylate. Functionalized olefinic copolymers may be, for example, copolymers of styrene monomers or copolymers of ethylene and propylene which may be further reacted or grafted with an active monomer, such as maleic anhydride. These copolymers can be further derivatized with an alcohol or an amine. Other copolymers of this type may include copolymers of ethylene and an α-olefin, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene and styrene. These copolymers may be further reacted or grafted with nitrogen compounds. Other examples of suitable viscosity index improvers include, but are not limited to, polyisobutylene, methacrylate polymer, polyalkyl styrene, and ethylene / propylene / 1,4-hexadiene polymers.

  In one embodiment, the viscosity index improver may be an ethylene-propylene copolymer. Optionally, other components may be present in the lubricant composition. Non-limiting examples of other components include phosphorus-containing compounds, ash-containing detergents, ashless detergents, overbased detergents, additional pour point depressants, additional viscosity index improvers, an ash-containing friction modifier, an ashless friction modifier, a nitrogen friction modifier, a nitrogen-free friction modifier, an ester friction modifier, additional extreme pressure agents, rust inhibitors, additional antioxidants, additional corrosion inhibitors, additional antifoam agents, titanium compounds, titanium complexes, organic solvent-soluble molybdenum compounds, organic solvent-soluble molybdenum complexes, boron-containing compounds and complexes containing boron, ain if only their mixtures. The lubricant compositions described in the present invention can be used for any lubrication. In one aspect, the lubricating composition can be an engine composition that is used to lubricate an engine. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described lubricating compositions can be used for any lubrication, for example to lubricate any surface, such as surfaces where there may be thin film friction or surfaces where the couple can be optimized. In addition, there is disclosed a method for reducing the thin-film friction of a fluid between surfaces, comprising the step of supplying the fluid to the described composition. Also disclosed in the present invention is a method for lubricating a machine, such as a motor, a transmission, an automobile gear, a gear train and / or an axle with the lubricating composition described. It is further contemplated that the lubricating compositions can be provided to any machinery in which fuel economy or torque improvement is desired. In particular, there is disclosed a method for increasing fuel economy in a machine, comprising the step of providing a machine with a composition comprising a base oil which comprises a reduced ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins, compared to the ratio of isoparaffins with normal paraffins in another base oil. In one aspect, the machine is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a transmission, an automobile gear, a gear train and an axle. Further, there is disclosed a method for improving fuel economy in a machine, such as a motor, a transmission, an automobile gear, a gear train and / or an axle, comprising the step of to provide a machine with the described composition. Also disclosed is a method for improving torque in a machine, comprising the step of providing to a machine a composition comprising a base oil which comprises a reduced ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins, compared to the ratio of isoparaffins to paraffins. normal in another base oil. It is understood that the term "torque improvement" refers to the increase in the maximum torque in a machine comprising the described composition, compared to a machine that does not include the described composition.

  In one aspect, the machine is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a transmission, an automobile gear, a gear train and an axle. The maximum torque is specific to each engine family and can be easily identified by those skilled in the art, for example using a chassis dynamometer and measuring the torque produced by the engine by the rear wheels. It is further disclosed in the present invention a method for improving torque in a machine, comprising the step of providing the machine with a composition comprising a base oil having a viscosity under high shear conditions at high temperature (HTHSV ) reduced compared to another base oil. As used herein, the term other base oil refers to a conventional base oil that conforms to the classification standards of a Group I to V base oil. HTHSV of a base oil can be easily measured by those skilled in the art, for example according to ASTM D 4683 at 100 C.

  In one aspect, the base oil is a base mineral oil, a synthetic base oil or a mixture thereof, a poly-alpha-olefin, a Group II + base oil or a Group III base oil. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 It is known in the industry that Group II or III base oils comprise more than 90% saturated compounds, less than 0.03% sulfur and have a viscosity number of about 80 to about 120. or more.

  However, not all Group II or III base oils have the same power transmission properties. As shown in Table 1, fully finished lubricating compositions comprising various Group II and III base oils were analyzed according to the procedure set forth in Analytical Chemistry, 64: 2227 (1992), the description of which is thus referred to in US Pat. reference title, to determine the type of paraffins, cycloparaffins and aromatic compounds in the compositions; In this example, a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado flatbed truck was operated with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that was lubricated with the lubricant compositions listed in Table 1. The truck was mounted on a performance gauge. Mustang that has been programmed with the appropriate factors of inertia and horsepower absorption for the vehicle. Horsepower was measured at the rear wheels, while the truck accelerated to full throttle first on a 25% simulated slope. 10 to 15 torque readings were taken for each example and the maximum torque results between 3600 and 4200 rpm were corrected to meet the reference conditions according to SAE J1349, the description of which is cited as reference in the present invention. A double drain technique was used to flush the formulation of each example into the truck crankcase to ensure minimal drive compared to the previous test. This was followed by a 30-minute break-in period, running the truck at 96.5 km / h for 30 minutes while he was in third, before making additional torque measurements. The HTHSV of each example was also measured according to ASTM D 4683 at 100 C. The results are shown below in Table 1.

  TABLE 1 Examples Torque HTHSV to Mean Number Maximum I / N Ratio 100 C atoms (Nm) (mPa. $) Paraffin carbon A 326.1 6,43 20.7 191 B 325.2 6.50 20, 5 142 C 324.8 6.54 21.3 169 D 323.8 6.80 21.4 429 E 323.3 7.22 19.3 452 As shown in Table 1, there is a linear relationship between the couple and the value of HTHSV at 100 C - the lower the value of HTHSV at 100 C, the higher the torque. The linear correlation between torque and HTHSV at 100 C is demonstrated by a R2 value of 0.845. The results show that Example A had the value of HTHSV at the lowest 100 C (6.43 mPa · s) and produced the highest torque (326.1 Nm). Comparatively, Example E had the highest HTHSV value at 100 C (7.22 mPa · s) and produced the lowest torque (323.3 Nm). Similarly, Example B had a value of HTHSV at 100 ° C lower (6.50 mPa ·%) than that of Example D (6.80 mPa ·%) and produced a higher torque (325, 2 Nm) relative to Example D (323.8 Nm). Thus, it can be seen that the torque can be improved by lowering the viscosity under conditions of high shear at high temperature at 100 C of the base oil. As can be seen in Table 1, the examples which have the value of HTHSV at the lowest 100 C (and thus produce the highest pairs) also have the lowest I / N ratios. For example, in addition to the torque and HTHSV at 100 C values described above, Example A also had the lowest I / N ratio (191), while Example E had the I / N ratio higher (452). Thus, it can be seen that the torque can also be improved by decreasing the I / N ratio of a base oil. Those skilled in the art will understand that the higher the torque, the better the fuel economy. EXAMPLE 2 In this example, fully formulated lubricating compositions were prepared by mixing several base oils other than Groups II and II + with 11.5% by weight of a DI formulation (HiTEC 1136, supplied by Afton Chemical Corp.), 8.6% by weight of an ethylene-propylene olefinic copolymer viscosity index modifier (Paratone 8021, supplied by Chevron Oronite) and 0.5% by weight of a pour point depressant polymethacrylate type (Viscoplex 1-440, supplied by RohMax). The DI formulation comprised a calcium-based overbased detergent, a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, an amine-free organic friction modifier, a molybdenum-containing friction modifier, a diphenylamine-type antioxidant, an olefin-type antioxidant, an antifoam agent and a diluent oil. Each lubricating composition was analyzed according to the procedure described above. The HTHSV of each lubricant composition was also measured according to ASTM D 4683 at 100 C, as described above. The results are shown in Table 2 below. EXAMPLE 2 Examples HTHSV at 100 C Mean Number 1 / N (mPa ·%) ratio of carbon atoms of paraffins F 7.22 22.1 874 G 6.87 22.3 583 H 6.62 21.5 112 I 6.55 22.6 95 J 7.08 24.7 77 K 6.75 23.0 48 The results in Table 2 demonstrate that as the I / N ratio decreases, the value of HTHSV at 100 c also decreases. (and, thus, the couple must also increase). For example, Example F had a high I / N ratio (874) and a correspondingly high value of HTHSV at 1000 c (7.22 mPa · s). Accordingly, Example F should have a low torque, as described above in Example 1. Comparatively, Example K had a low I / N ratio (48) and a value of HTHSV at 100 ° C. correspondingly low (6.75 mPa. $). Accordingly, Example K should have high torque, as described in Example 1. While Example J has a lower I / N ratio than Example I, Example J has the larger average paraffin carbon atom, which offsets the low I / N ratio and results in a higher value of HTHSV at 100 C (7.08 mPa · $). As a result, Example J should have a higher torque value than Example 1.

  In many places throughout the present invention reference has been made to a number of United States patents, published foreign patent applications, and published technical articles. All these cited documents are expressly mentioned in their entirety in the present invention. For purposes of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values indicating amounts, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the present invention, are intended to be modified in all cases by the term approximately. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters indicated in the following description are approximations which may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be achieved in the present invention. In any case, each numerical parameter must at least be considered in the light of the number of significant figures indicated and by applying the usual rounding techniques. It will be appreciated that, in the manner used in the present invention, the singular forms one, one, the, and the include plural references, unless explicitly and unequivocally limited to a reference. Thus, for example, reference to an antioxidant includes reference to two or more different antioxidants. As used herein, the term includes and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that the mention of items in a list is not made to the exclusion of other similar articles which may be used in place of, or added to, the items listed. It goes without saying that the present invention has been described for explanatory purposes, but in no way limiting, and that many modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims (14)

  A lubricant composition, characterized in that it comprises a base oil comprising an average number of paraffin carbon atoms of less than 23, and wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is included in the range of 30 to 400, preferably in the range of 50 to 300.   The lubricant composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a detergent inhibitor formulation comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of viscosity index improvers, oxidation inhibitors , corrosion inhibitors, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, extreme pressure agents, detergents, dispersants, anti-foam agents, pour point depressants, deodorants, seal swelling agents sealants, demulsifiers, dyes and fluidisers.   The lubricant composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the detergent is selected from the group consisting of overbased phenates, overbased salicylates, overbased sulfonates, overbased carboxylates, and mixtures thereof.   The lubricant composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the viscosity index improver is selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen polymer viscosity index improving agent dispersant, a dispersant-agent improving the viscosity index. an ester-containing polymeric viscosity index and a non-dispersing viscosity index improver, the viscosity index improver being a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin selected from the group consisting of propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene and styrene.   The lubricant composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the pour point depressant is selected from the group consisting of polymethacrylates, polyacrylamides, condensation products of halogenated paraffin waxes and aromatic compounds, polymers of vinyl carboxylates and terpolymers of dialkyl fumarates, vinyl esters of fatty acids and alkyl vinyl ethers.   The lubricant composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of phosphorus-containing compounds, ash-containing detergents, ashless detergents, overbased detergents, additional pour point depressants, additional viscosity index improvers, ash-containing friction modifiers, ashless friction modifiers, nitrogen friction modifiers, nitrogen-free friction modifiers, esterified friction modifiers, additional extreme pressure agents, rust inhibitors, additional antioxidants, additional corrosion inhibitors, additional antifoaming agents, titanium compounds, titanium complexes, organic solvent-soluble molybdenum compounds , molybdenum complexes Soluble in organic solvents, boron-containing compounds and boron-containing complexes.   A process for improving the torque in a machine, characterized in that it comprises the step of providing the machine with a composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of 30 to 400, the base oil being a mineral oil, a synthetic oil or a mixture thereof.   8. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that the base oil is a poly-alpha olefin.   9. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that the base oil is a Group II + base oil. 10   10. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that the base oil is a Group III base oil.   A method for improving the torque in a machine, characterized in that it comprises the step of providing the machine with a composition comprising a base oil having reduced viscosity under high shear conditions at high temperature, compared to to another base oil.   12. A method of increasing the fuel economy in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises the step of providing the vehicle with a composition comprising a base oil, wherein the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins in the base oil is in the range of 30 to 400. 25   A method for reducing the thin-film friction of a fluid between surfaces, characterized in that it comprises the step of providing the surfaces with a composition comprising a base oil, in which the ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins. in the base oil is in the range of 30 to 400.   14. Motor, transmission or gear train, characterized in that it is lubricated with the lubricant composition according to claim 1.