Use of Low-Viscosity, Low-Volatility Basestocks in Formulation of High Performance Motor Oils

To meet increasingly stringent fuel economy standards, demand for lower viscosity passenger car motor oils has increased. Special very-high-viscosity-index (VHVI) basestocks such as hydrocracked mineral oils and poly-alpha-olefins can enable these products to meet volatility and oil consumption requirements. Bench oxidation and wear data and engine performance of 5W-30 and 10W-40 motor oils formulated with conventionally refined and special basestocks are compared.