Preparation and characterization of a viscosity index improver for naphthenic and paraffinic base oils

Copolymers of -methyl styrene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate were prepared in a benzene solution. The presence of the copolymers were confirmed by solubility, IR and NMR tests. The molecular weight and the polydispersity of the polymers were estimated by GPC. The copolymers obtained were blended with paraffinic and naphthenic base oils. The viscosity, the viscosity index (VI) the Q value as well as the stability to shear and oxidation were obtained for these blends. The results are compared with the results obtained with an oil blend containing a commonly used high temperature additive. Two of the copolymers obtained have shown to be good alternatives for specific applications.Presented at the Symposium, 76^th CSC Congress, Sherbrooke, Quebec, May 30–June 3, 1993, honoring Professor Donald Patterson on the occasion of his 65^th birthday.