Synthesis and characterization of polybutylacrylate viscosity index improver with anti‐wear function

Abstract

AbstractA new anti‐wear polybutylacrylate viscosity index improver was prepared and evaluated for lube oil. First, RAFT polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate was carried out, then the polymer intermediate was esterified with n‐butanol, and finally, the polybutylacrylate was obtained. Molecular weight test showed that the Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization could obtain the expected molecular weight polymer by controlling the adding amount of RAFT agent. Rotary bomb oxidation test and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that this polybutylacrylate had excellent oxidation stability and thermal stability. Anti‐wear test and shear stability test showed that the polybutylacrylate had good anti‐wear property and shear stability. The effects on trihydroxymethyl propane triheptanoate showed that this polybutylacrylate not only could improve the viscosity index but also could improve the anti‐wear property of base oil. And the performance of this polybutylacrylate is affected by their molecular weight. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.