Multifunctional Additive Performance of Acrylate-Styrene Copolymers

Homo polymers (two homopolymers and six copolymers) of isodecyl acrylate and isooctyl acrylate and their respective copolymers with styrene were synthesized using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and characterized by spectral analysis, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric measurements. Pour point (PP),viscosity index (VI) and anti wear (AW) performance of the additive doped base oils were evaluated to check the efficiency of the polymers as pour point depressant (PPD), viscosity index improver (VII) also known as viscosity modifier (VM) and anti wear (AW) additives for lube oil. A comparison of the above performances between the respective homopolymers and the copolymers is also analysed and reported. Analysis of different properties indicates that the isodecyl acrylate polymers have better lube oil additive property than that of isooctyl acrylate polymers. VI, PPD and AW values of the polymers doped in base oils depend on the nature of mineral base oils, polymer types and also on the concentration of the additives.