The use of synthetic lubricants as motor oils or as blends with motor oils, will become a reality in the near future. In anticipation of this and to help predict the future needs of the automotive sealing industry, this paper will present test data listing the effects of synthetic lubricants on elastomeric sealing materials.
The lubricants used in the testing were 10W30 motor oil, Diester and Polyalphaolef in synthetic lubricants and also blends of both Diester and Polyalphaolefin with 10W30 motor oil.
The materials tested were typical engine sealing materials that would come in contact with the lubricants just mentioned. They are Nitrile, Ethylene Acrylic, Polyacrylate, Silicone and Fluorocarbon.
The testing of these materials was done at 121°C (250°F) and 150°C (300°F) for 70 hours as per ASTM D471.