WO2025199383A1

WO2025199383A1 - Vehicle drivetrain lubricant compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2025199383A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/020805
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gordon H. Lee
Original assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
Current assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
Priority date: 2024-03-21
Filing date: 2025-03-21
Publication date: 2025-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-21

Abstract

Group II extra heavy basestock oils may be used in lubricant compositions with increased performance. For example, a lubricant composition may include: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of ‑6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

Description

VEHICLE DRIVETRAIN LUBRICANT COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This application relates to lubricant compositions, in particular lubricant compositions for vehicle drivetrain components.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle drivetrain lubricants may serve a variety of functions besides lubrication when used for vehicle power production and transmission machinery, including functions of deterging and cooling said vehicle components. With increasing use of electric vehicles, lubricants today may additionally have other functions including controlling electrical conductivity of components.

[0003] Conventionally, lubricants (e.g., lubricating oils) are defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API) into Groups I through V. The API defines Group I oil basestocks as solvent-refined mineral oils; Group I oil basestocks contain the least saturates and highest amount of sulfur and generally have the lowest viscosity indices. Group I generally defines the bottom tier of lubricant performance. Group II and Group III oil basestocks are high viscosity index and very high viscosity index basestocks, respectively. The Group III oil basestocks generally contain fewer unsaturates and sulfur than the Group II oils. Group IV oil basestocks consist of polyalphaolefins, which are produced via the catalytic oligomerization of linear alphaolefms (LAOs). Group V includes all the other oil basestocks not included in Groups I through IV; Group V basestocks include lubricants based on or derived from esters.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] A nonlimiting example composition of the present disclosure may include: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

[0005] A nonlimiting example method of the present disclosure may include: lubricating a drivetrain component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition, the lubricant composition comprising: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

[0006] These and other features and attributes of the disclosed compositions and methods of the present disclosure and their advantageous applications and/or uses will be apparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings. The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive configurations. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure. [0008] FIGS. 1A-1C are graphs of Brookfield Viscosity testing results of experimental samples.

[0009] FIGS. 2A-2C are graphs of pour point testing results of experimental samples.

[0010] FIGS. 3A-3C are graphs of tribology testing (40°C) results of experimental samples.

[0011] FIGS. 4A-4C are graphs of tribology testing (60°C) results of experimental samples.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5C are graphs of tribology testing (80°C) results of experimental samples.

[0013] FIGS. 6A-6C are graphs of Noack volatility testing (250°C) results of experimental samples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] This application relates to lubricant compositions, in particular lubricant compositions for vehicle drivetrain components.

[0015] Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have properties allowing for increased performance compared to conventional formulations, in particular continued performance at extreme conditions (e.g., low temperatures). Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have properties that may enable such performance.

[0016] Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt, or about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt, or about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt, or about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt. Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have a pour point (ASTM D5949) of about -40°C or less, or about -50°C or less, or about -40°C to about -100°C, or about -50°C to about -100°C. Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D2983, -40°C) of about 8000 cP or less, or about 3000 cP or less, or about 50 cP to about 8000 cP, or about 50 cP to about 5000 cP, or about 50 cP to about 3000 cP.

[0017] Lubricant compositions may additionally have certain tribological properties that may allow for lubrication with increased efficiency, including, but not limited to, for example, lower traction coefficient (TC) at the same Slide-to-Roll Ratio (SRR) and/or lower peak TC as compared to conventional lubricant compositions. Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may have a peak TC, as measured by a Mini-Traction Machine (MTM), of less than about 0.050, or less than about 0.045, or less than about 0.040, or less than about 0.035, or less than about 0.030, or about 0.001 to about 0.050, or about 0.001 to about 0.045, or about 0.001 to about 0.040. “Traction coefficient,” and grammatical variations thereof, as used herein, refers to a ratio of normal forces and side forces yielded by a lubricant composition. “Peak traction coefficient,” “peak TC,” and grammatical variations thereof, as used herein, refers to the greatest measured TC value for a lubricant composition measured in MTM testing. Generally under MTM testing, TC values for a lubricant composition increase to a peak then decrease.

[0018] The term “wt%” as used herein indicates percentage by weight, “vol%” as used herein indicates percentage by volume, “mol %” as used herein indicates percentage by mole, “ppm” as used herein indicates parts per million, and “ppm wt” and “wppm” are used interchangeably and mean parts per million on a weight basis. All concentrations herein, unless otherwise stated, are expressed on the basis of the total amount of the composition in question.

[0019] The term “polymer” as used herein refers to a substance comprising any two or more of the same or different repeating units/monomer units or units. The term “homopolymer” as used herein refers to a polymer having units that are the same. The term “copolymer” as used herein refers to a polymer having two or more units that are different from each other and includes terpolymers and the like. The term “terpolymer” as used herein refers to a polymer having three units that are different from each other. The term “different” as used herein as it refers to units indicates that the units differ from each other by at least one atom or are different isomerically. Likewise, the definition of polymer, as used herein, includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and the like.

[0020] The term “oil base stock,” “oil basestock,” “base oil,” or simply “basestock,” and grammatical variations thereof as used herein refer to any base fluid that could be used in a lubricant including, but not limited to, a terpene, a mineral oil, a synthetic hydrocarbon, an ester, the like, or any combination thereof. An oil base stock as described herein may include Group I, II, III, IV, and V (as defined by American Petroleum Institute [API]) base oils, including any combination thereof. [0021] The present disclosure includes methods and compositions relating to lubricants comprising Group II basestock oils, and additionally comprising a Group IV basestock oil.

[0022] Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 20 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 35 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, of a Group II basestock, by total weight of the lubricant composition. Furthermore, lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise from about 50 wt% to about 99 wt%, or about 50 wt% to about 80 wt%, or about 50 wt% to about 65 wt%, or about 60 wt% to about 99 wt%, or about 70 wt% to about 99 wt%, or about 80 wt% to about 99 wt%, of a Group IV basestock, by total weight of the lubricant composition.

[0023] Suitable Group II basestocks, including group II extra heavy basestocks, may have a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 300 cSt to 600 cSt (or 320 cSt to 520 cSt, or 380 cSt to 520 cSt, or 450 cSt to 520 cSt) and a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445-21, 100°C) of from 22 cStto 40 cSt (or 22 cStto 36 cSt, or 27 cStto 36 cSt, or 32 cSt to 36 cSt). Suitable Group II basestocks may have a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119 (or 95 to 115). Suitable basestocks may have a pour point (IP 15 or ASTM D97) of from -35°C to -6°C (or -35°C to -15°C, or -6°C or less, or -15°C or less). Suitable Group II basestocks may have a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater (or 90 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 95 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99.99 wt%, or 90 wt% to 99 wt%, or 95 wt% to 99 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99 wt%, or 95 wt% or greater, or 98 wt% or greater, or 99 wt% or greater). Other characteristics of suitable Group II heavy basestocks may include, but are not limited to: basestock color (ASTM D6045) from LI.5 to L0.5 (or LI.5 to L1.0, or L 1.0 to LOA); carbon residue (ASTM D4530) from 0.0001 mass % to 0. 1 mass %, or 0.001 mass % to 0.01 mass %, or 0 mass % to 0.1 mass %, or 0 mass % to 0.01 mass %, or 0.1 mass % or less, or 0.01 mass % or less; cloud point (ASTM D2500) from -60°C to -2°C, or -60°C to -30°C, or -30°C to -2°C, or -2°C or less, or -30°C or less, or -60°C or less; flashpoint (ASTM D92) from 250°C and 300°C, or 250°C to 275°C, or 275°C to 300°C, or 250°C or greater. Preferred Group II basestocks may include those commercially available under the tradenames EHC™ (including, but not limited to, EHC 340 MAX™) (ExxonMobil Chemical Company).

[0024] Furthermore, Group IV basestocks of relevance in the present disclosure may include any suitable synthetic oils such as polyalphaolefins and interpolymerized olefins (polybutylenes, polypropylenes, propylene isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-olefin copolymers, and ethylenealphaolefin copolymers, for example). Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil base stocks are commonly used synthetic hydrocarbon oils. By way of example, PAOs derived from C8, CIO, C12, C14 olefins or mixtures thereof may be utilized. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,956,122; 4,827,064; and 4,827,073.

[0025] The number average molecular weights of the PAOs, which are known materials and generally available on a major commercial scale (e.g., from suppliers such as ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, BP, and others) typically vary from about 250 to about 3,000, although PAO's may be made in viscosities up to about 150 cSt (ASTM D445, 100°C). The PAOs are typically comprised of relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or oligomers of alphaolefins which include, but are not limited to, C2 to about C32 alphaolefins with the C8 to about C16 alphaolefins, such as 1 -octene, 1 -decene, 1 -dodecene and the like, being preferred. The preferred polyalphaolefins are poly- 1 -octene, poly- 1 -decene and poly- 1 -dodecene and mixtures thereof and mixed olefin-derived polyolefins. However, the dimers of higher olefins in the range of C14 to C18 may be used to provide low viscosity base stocks of acceptably low volatility. Depending on the viscosity grade and the starting oligomer, the PAOs may be predominantly trimers and tetramers of the starting olefins, with minor amounts of the higher oligomers, having a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) range of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt. PAO fluids of particular use may include those with a kinematic viscosity of about 1.5 cSt to about 2.0 cSt, or about 3.0 cSt to about 3.6 cSt, or about 1.7 cSt, or about 2.0 cSt, or about 3.0 cSt, or about 3.4 cSt, or about 3.6 cSt, including combinations thereof. Mixtures of PAO fluids having a viscosity range of 1.5 cSt to approximately 150 cSt or more may be used if desired. Preferred PAOs may include those commercially available under the tradenames SHF™, SUPERSYN™, and SPECTRASYN™ (ExxonMobil Chemical Company)

[0026] The PAO fluids may be conveniently made by the polymerization of an alphaolefin in the presence of a polymerization catalyst such as the Friedel-Crafts catalysts including, for example, aluminum trichloride, boron trifluoride or complexes of boron trifluoride with water, alcohols such as ethanol, propanol or butanol, carboxylic acids or esters such as ethyl acetate or ethyl propionate. For example the methods disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,178 or 3,382,291 may be conveniently used herein. Other descriptions of PAO synthesis are found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,876,720; 4,239,930; 4,367,352; 4,413,156; 4,434,408; 4,910,355; 4,956,122; and 5,068,487. The dimers of the C14 to C18 olefins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,330.

[0027] The lubricant compositions may additionally include other lubricant performance additives known in the art such as corrosion inhibitors, rust inhibitors, metal deactivators, extreme pressure additives, anti-seizure agents, wax modifiers, viscosity modifiers, fluid-loss additives, seal compatibility agents, friction modifiers, lubricity agents, anti-staining agents, chromophoric agents, defoamants, demulsifiers, emulsifiers, densifiers, wetting agents, gelling agents, tackiness agents, colorants, and others. For a review of many commonly used additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0-89573-177-0. Reference is also made to “Lubricant Additives” by M. W. Ranney, published by Noyes Data Corporation of Parkridge, N.J. (1973), see also U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,930, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. These additives are commonly delivered with varying amounts of diluent oil that may, for example, range from about 5 wt% to about 50 wt%. When lubricant compositions include one or more of the foregoing additives, the additive(s) may be blended into a “concentrate,” a “premix,” or a “slurry” to allow further use when blending a fully formulated lubricant.

[0028] Lubricant compositions of the present disclosure may be used in lubrication of any drivetrain components of a vehicle as suitable. Methods of the present disclosure may include lubricating a drivetrain component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition as described above. A vehicle of the present disclosure may include an electric vehicle. “Electric vehicle,” and grammatical variations thereof, as used herein may refer to a motor vehicle with the capability of at least partially powering driving motion through use of an electric motor. Drivetrain components of relevance in the present disclosure for lubrication may, for example, include, but are not limited to, a transmission, a crank case, a drive shaft, the like, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to utilize lubricant compositions of the present disclosure with the benefit hereof.

[0029] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the following examples of preferred or representative embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or to define, the scope of the invention.

[0030] Additional Embodiments

[0031] Embodiment 1. A lubricant composition comprising: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

[0032] Embodiment 2. The lubricant composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock. [0033] Embodiment s. The lubricant composition of Embodiment 1 , wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 25 wt% to about 50 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock.

[0034] Embodiment 4. The lubricant composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 5 wt% to about 35 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock.

[0035] Embodiment 5. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt. [0036] Embodiment 6. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt.

[0037] Embodiment 7. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt.

[0038] Embodiment 8. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt.

[0039] Embodiment 9. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point (ASTM D5949) of about -40°C or less.

[0040] Embodiment 10. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-9, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point (ASTM D5949) of about -50°C or less.

[0041] Embodiment 11. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D2983, -40°C) of about 8000 cP or less. [0042] Embodiment 12. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D2983, -40°C) of about 3000 cP or less. [0043] Embodiment 13. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) as measured by a Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) of less than about 0.040.

[0044] Embodiment 14. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 450 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 32 cSt to 36 cSt, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -15°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 95 wt% or greater. [0045] Embodiment 15. The lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1 -14, wherein the polyalphaolefin a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt.

[0046] Embodiment 16. A vehicle drivetrain lubricant comprising the lubricant composition of any one of Embodiments 1-14.

[0047] Embodiment 17. A method comprising: lubricating a drivetrain component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition, the lubricant composition comprising: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

[0048] Embodiment 18. The method of Embodiment 17, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric vehicle.

[0049] Embodiment 19. The method of Embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt.

[0050] Embodiment 20. The method any one of Embodiments 17-19, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) as measured by a Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) of less than about 0.040.

EXAMPLES

[0051] Experiment 1: Formulations

[0052] Example lubricant compositions were formed in three different areas: A, B, and C, having kinematic viscosities (ASTM H445, 100°C) of approximately 3.62 cSt, approximately 6.4 cSt, and approximately 4.1 cSt, respectively. Each area included a comparative example composition (CE-A, CE-B, and CE-C, respectively) of conventional lubricant compositions. Compositions of Areas A, B, and C are shown below in Tables 1, 2, and 3, respectively. YUBASE® 3 and YUBASE® 6 are API Group III lubricant basestocks, available from SK Enmove. GTL 4 is a Group III lubricant basestock, available from Shell. PAO 2, PAO 2C, and SPECTRASYN 3.5 MAX™ are Group IV lubricant basestocks, available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company. EHC 340 MAX™ is a Group II extra heavy lubricant basestock, available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company. Table 1. Compositions in Area A.

Table 2. Compositions in Area B.

Table 3. Compositions in Area C.

[0053] Experiment 2: Brookfield Viscosity

[0054] Sample formulations were tested for Brookfield Viscosity at -40°C according to ASTM

D2983. Results for Areas A, B, and C are shown below in FIG. 1A, IB, and 1C, respectively. As shown, in all Areas, sample formulations had significantly lower Brookfield Viscosity as compared to respective comparative examples.

[0055] Experiment 3: Pour Point

[0056] Sample formulations were tested for pour point according to ASTM D5949. Results for Areas A, B, and C are shown below in FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively. As shown, in all Areas, sample formulations had significantly higher pour points as compared to respective comparative examples (CE-A, CE-B, and CE-C).

[0057] Experiment 4: Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) Tribology Testing

[0058] Sample formulations were tested for tribological characteristics with an MTM, manufactured by PCS Instruments under standard testing procedure. Standard testing procedure included measuring a traction coefficient (TC) for a sample across a range of Slide-to-Roll Ratios (SRR) from 0 to 100.

[0059] Samples were tested at 40°C, 60°C, and 80°C. Results for Areas A, B, and C at 40°C are shown below in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively. As shown, in all Areas at 40°C, sample formulations had generally equal or lower TC values at the same SRR and lower peak TC values, as compared to respective comparative examples. Results for Areas A, B, and C at 60°C are shown below in FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C, respectively. As shown, in all Areas at 60°C, sample formulations had generally equal or lower TC values at the same SRR and lower peak TC values, as compared to respective comparative examples. Results for Areas A, B, and C at 80°C are shown below in FIG. 5A, 5B, and 5C, respectively. As shown, in all Areas at 80°C, sample formulations had generally equal or lower TC values at the same SRR and lower peak TC values, as compared to respective comparative examples.

[0060] Experiment 5: Noack Volatility Testing

[0061] Sample formulations were tested for Noack Volatility (evaporation loss) according to ASTM D6375 at 200°C and 250°C. Results for Areas A, B, and C at 250°C are shown below in FIG. 6A, 6B, and 6C, respectively, and results are also shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4. Noack Volatility testing results. [0062] Experiment 6: Viscosity and Density Measurements

[0063] Sample formulations were tested for kinematic viscosity according to ASTM D445 at 100°C and 40°C, and Viscosity Index was subsequently calculated therefrom. Furthermore, sample formulations were tested for density according to ASTM D4052 at 15.6°C, 70°C, 100°C. Viscosity and density measurement results for Areas A, B, and C are shown below in Tables 4, 5, and 6, respectively.

Table 5. Viscosity and density calculations for Area A samples.

Table 6. Viscosity and density calculations for Area B samples. Table 7. Viscosity and density calculations for Area C samples.

[0064] Experiment 6: Flashpoint Testing

[0065] Sample formulations were tested for flashpoint using a MiniFlash according to ASTM D6450. Results for Areas A, B, and C are shown below in Table 8 below.

Table 8. Flashpoint testing results.

[0066] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular examples and configurations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

[0067] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the present specification and associated claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the incarnations of the present inventions. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0068] One or more illustrative incarnations incorporating one or more invention elements are presented herein. Not all features of a physical implementation are described or shown in this application for the sake of clarity. It is understood that in the development of a physical embodiment incorporating one or more elements of the present invention, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's goals, such as compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which vary by implementation and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be time consuming, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art and having benefit of this disclosure.

[0069] While compositions and methods are described herein in terms of “comprising” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A lubricant composition comprising: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

2. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock.

3. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 25 wt% to about 50 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock.

4. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition comprises about 5 wt% to about 35 wt% of the group II extra heavy basestock.

5. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt.

6. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3.5 cSt to about 3.7 cSt.

7. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 6.3 cSt to about 6.5 cSt.

8. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 4.0 cSt to about 4.2 cSt.

9. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point (ASTM D5949) of about -40°C or less.

10. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a pour point (ASTM D5949) of about -50°C or less.

11. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D2983, -40°C) of about 8000 cP or less.

12. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D2983, -40°C) of about 3000 cP or less.

13. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) as measured by a Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) of less than about 0.040.

14. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the group II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 450 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 32 cSt to 36 cSt, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -15°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 95 wt% or greater.

15. The lubricant composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 1.5 cSt to about 12 cSt.

16. A vehicle drivetrain lubricant comprising the lubricant composition of any one of claims 1-

17. A method comprising: lubricating a drivetrain component of a vehicle with a lubricant composition, the lubricant composition comprising: about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a group II extra heavy basestock, wherein the group

II extra heavy basestock has: a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 40°C) of from 320 cSt to 520 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of from 22 cSt to 36 cSt, a viscosity index (ASTM D2270) of from 80 to 119, a pour point (ASTM D97) of -6°C or less, and a saturate content (ASTM D7419) of 90 wt% or greater; and about 50 wt% to about 99 wt% of a polyalphaolefin.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric vehicle.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the lubricant composition has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445, 100°C) of about 3 cSt to about 7 cSt.

20. The method of claim 17, 18, or 19, wherein the lubricant composition has a peak traction coefficient (TC) as measured by a Mini-Traction Machine (MTM) of less than about 0.040.