SpectraSyn Elite™ metallocene polyalphaolefin

Using test method CEC L-45-A-99 to measure shear loss, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks with other high-viscosity neat base stocks, including SpectraSyn Ultra PAO, ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC) and polymethacrylate PAO (PMA-PAO). The chart shows that SpectraSyn Elite 300 provides good shear stability, which helps enhance drain intervals and lubricant life.

In ASTM D5950, the standard test method for pour point, SpectraSyn Elite 300 provides lower pour point compared to SpectraSyn Ultra PAO and ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC) base stocks. This result suggests better performance at low temperatures.

To assess low-temperature fluidity, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks to other high-viscosity base stocks in an ISO VG 320 industrial gear oil. Using ASTM D2983, we measured Brookfield viscosity at -40°C. SpectraSyn Elite 300 demonstrated excellent low-temperature fluidity compared to ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC), polymethacrylate PAO (PMA-PAO) and polyisobutylene (PIB) base stocks.

The shear stability of SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks translate into finished formulations. ExxonMobil demonstrated this capability by using test method CEC L-45-A-99 to assess an SAE90 automotive gear oil. Compared to four high-viscosity base stocks tested, SpectraSyn Elite 300 showed excellent shear stability in formulated oils.

Using test method ASTM D12, we measured grease water washout at 79°C, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stock with polyisobutylene (PIB) base stocks at 100 and 300 cSt grades. In ISO VG 100 and 460 NLGI #2 lithium-complex greases, SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks demonstrated less weight loss – significantly less in the US VG 100 grease test – than the PIB base stocks.