Mineral base oils tend to lose their properties more easily, as they have a lower viscosity index (thermal degradation), are more unsaturated (oxidation and deposits), and have more sulfur (emissions) than synthetic base oils.
There are many different types of additives that can be added to fluids, such as oils and fuels, to improve their properties. Some of the most common additives are:
- Dispersants and detergents: they help keep engines and systems clean by dispersing particles and debris.
- Antioxidants: they protect fluids from oxidation and aging.
- Anti-wear: they reduce wear and friction in the engine parts.
- Anti-corrosion: they protect the engine’s metallic surfaces against corrosion and oxidation.
- Viscosity index improvers: they maintain the viscosity of fluids in a range suitable for different temperatures.
- Anti-foam: they prevent the formation of foam in fluids, which can cause damage to the engine’s components.
- Performance improvers: they improve the performance and efficiency of the fuel.
It is important to highlight that each additive has a specific purpose and its use must be suitable for each particular application.
The origin of the base oil is not indicative of lubricant quality The quality of the compounds is determined by laboratory and engine tests during the design phase. It is true that mineral base oils have a lower viscosity index (thermal degradation), are more unsaturated (oxidation and deposits), and have more sulfur (emissions) than synthetic base oils.
A lubricant is categorized as synthetic or mineral depending on the method used to obtain the lubricant’s main component: the base oil.
When the base oil is obtained through the conventional refining of petroleum, it is considered mineral. When it is obtained through more complex processes (chemical synthesis or other), the lubricant is considered synthetic.
The origin of the base oil is not indicative of lubricant quality In other words, a lubricant is no better or worse for being mineral or synthetic. The quality of the compounds is determined by laboratory and engine tests that the lubricant must undergo during the design phase.
The origin of the base oil is not indicative of lubricant quality The quality of the compounds is determined by laboratory and engine tests that the lubricant must undergo during the design phase. Depending on the segment we find ourselves in (motorcycle, passenger vehicle, heavy-duty vehicle, industry, etc.), the application (engine, transmissions, etc.), and the performance, the origin of the lubricant will be either mineral or synthetic. Is is true that mineral base oils have a lower viscosity index (thermal degradation), are more unsaturated (oxidation and deposits), and have more sulfur (emissions) that synthetic base oils.
There are four lubrications regimes related with the thickness of the film between two surfaces: boundary, mixed, elastohydrodynamic, and hydrodynamic lubrication. The viscosity regimes vary according to the friction, viscosity, load between the two surfaces, and speed. The lubrication regime affects friction and wear.
Lubricants can be classified according to their state:
- Liquid: lubricating oils which represent the majority,
- semi-solid: would be greases,
- solid such as graphite,
- and even gas.
Another classification can be made according to its nature, referring to the base oil it contains. We distinguish between synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils.
When the base oil is obtained through the conventional refining of petroleum, it is considered mineral. When it is obtained through more complex processes (chemical synthesis or other), the lubricant is considered synthetic. A semi-synthetic lubricant would be the combination of mineral and synthetic base oils.
You would have to check if this change is allowed by the manufacturer.
