A NEW INSIGHT INTO THE BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC ESTERS IN LUBRICATION
Synthetic esters have been used for over 60 years but have been limited to specific applications where cleanliness, resistance to temperature and added solvency are required. In this paper, general properties of esters, along with their traditional benefits in lubricating applications, are reviewed. However, recent legislations, new equipment manufacturers’ specifications, and growing concern over the environmental impact of lubrication are clearly leading the way towards higher performance, environmentally considerate lubricants, thus creating new opportunities for synthetic esters and unveiling unexpected added benefits. This paper will give examples of novel uses of neopolyol and complex esters in highly demanding applications like European Ecolabel, Vessel General Permit and OSPAR compliant hydraulic oils and greases, ultra-high temperature chain oils and greases, and future generation engine oils.