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Low viscosity polyalphaolefins  

To meet ever-increasing performance demands in the evolving marketplace, formulators use SpectraSyn™ Lo Vis PAO synthetic base stocks – available in viscosity grades from 2 to 10 cSt – to gain better low-temperature properties, low volatility and improved oxidative stability compared to mineral oil base stocks.

They can also be added to mineral oils for increased performance. They can be combined with SpectraSyn™ Hi Vis PAO, SpectraSyn Elite™ mPAO and Synesstic™ AN (Alkylated Naphthalene) blend stocks to formulate cross-grade engine and automotive gear oils, as well as various ISO VG industrial oils.

Key benefits

  • improved energy efficiency icon

    High VI for enhanced wear protection and energy efficiency

  • low volatility icon

    Low volatility to minimize oil consumption

  • Thermometer icon

    Low-temperature fluidity for optimal flow

  • Excellent thermal and oxidative stability icon

    Excellent thermal and oxidative stability for long drain intervals

Products

  • ExxonMobil Chemical Page

    SpectraSyn™ Lo Vis (Low Viscosity) PAO

    Discover technical details and specifications for SpectraSyn Lo Vis PAO product grades.

    View data sheets
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Enhanced Performance

Low volatility
For reliable performance in high-temperature operating conditions, formulators want base stocks that offer low volatility. In the NOACK volatility test (ASTM D5800), SpectraSyn PAOs demonstrate lower volatility at higher temperatures than Group II and Group III mineral oil base stocks.

Kinematic viscocity and volatility of Group II, group II, and PAOs

High viscosity index
Comparing PAO base stocks at any given viscosity to polyisobutylene (PIB) and mineral oil base stocks, we can see that PAOs provide significantly higher viscosity index (VI). ASTM D2270 is the standard test used for calculating viscosity index from kinematic viscosity at 40° and 100° C. Higher VI translates to better stability in a range of temperatures.

Kinematic viscocty at 100 degreec C by viscocity index.

Low viscosity at low temperatures
ASTM D5293 is the standard test method for apparent viscosity of engine oils and base stocks between -10°C and -35°C using a cold-cranking simulator (CCS). It is used to measure performance in low-temperature conditions. In this test, SpectraSyn Lo Vis PAO (4, 6 and 8 cSt) demonstrates significantly lower viscosity at low temperatures compared to a Group III mineral oil.

Group III mineral and PAO CCS viscocity at -30 degrees C.

Applications

Featured resources

View highlighted news, events, technical papers and case studies below. To see our full collection of resources, browse our Library.
  • ExxonMobil Chemical Library icon

    SpectraSyn™ low viscosity polyalphaolefin (PAO) product safety summary

    A high-level summary intended to provide an overview of product safety information on this chemical substance.

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  • ExxonMobil Chemical Library icon

    Synthetic lubricant base stocks formulation guide

    This convenient reference guide can provide a head start in helping you make the best choice of base stocks for a variety of lubricant applications.

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