ExxonMobil Chemical
ExxonMobil SpectraSyn™ MaX
Next Generation PAOs to Improve Fuel Economy and Help Extend Electric Vehicle Range

By Michael Sheehan, Technical Customer Application Development Chemist, Synthetics Global Technology | TLT CMF Plus November 2021

 

Fuel economy has been the major driver in engine oil and EV/driveline fluid development as CO2 emission mandates are getting more stringent and challenging. While moving towards low and ultra-low-viscosity fluids is an effective formulation strategy to improve fuel economy, it poses challenges in wear protection, deposits and oil drain intervals. ExxonMobil Chemical has developed a next generation PAO family, SpectraSyn MaX, which provides excellent Low-Viscosity, Low-Volatility (LVLV) balance. SpectraSyn MaX enables low and ultra-low-viscosity engine oil formulations without compromising on additive treat-rate or Noack volatility. They exhibit lower traction, which can lead to improved energy efficiency, and superior oxidative stability that also make them desirable in low-viscosity EV/driveline fluids. Benefits of SpectraSyn MaX performance in finished formulations of engine oils and EV/driveline fluids include:

Fuel economy improvements for lower emissions
Energy efficiency for enhanced electric vehicle range
Thermal management for e-motor and electronics 

Compared to conventional PAO and mineral oil base stocks, SpectraSyn MaX PAO can help provide:
Balanced low viscosity and low volatility for improved fuel economy, energy efficiency and durability
Improved oxidative stability for long drain intervals
Excellent low-temperature properties for enhanced wear protection
Enhanced lubricity and traction for clean, efficient performance

Proven Performance
Improved Fuel Economy

Using a 0W-12 engine oil in Volkswagen fuel economy test PV1496, SpectraSyn™ MaX PAO demonstrates superior fuel economy improvement compared to a Group III+ and a low-viscosity conventional PAO.



Uncompromising Balance (LVLV)
Compared to conventional PAO and mineral-based Group II and Group III base stocks, SpectraSyn™ MaX PAO demonstrates step-out improvement in Noack volatility.



Greater Energy Efficiency
In MTM traction tests, SpectraSyn™ MaX PAO demonstrated significantly lower friction coefficient/torque loss compared to Group II+/III+ and conventional PAO blends. This performance can enable improved energy efficiency and fuel economy.



Enhanced Oxidative Stability
Compared to Group III and Group III+ mineral base stocks and low-viscosity conventional PAO, SpectraSyn™ MaX PAO demonstrates superior oxidative stability, with lower viscosity and Total Acid Number (TAN) change after 192 hours at 170°C (using CEC L48 test method).



Learn more: To learn how SpectraSyn MaX can help enhance your formulations, watch our webinar or contact us today.