Polybutene: the versatile base oil and thickening agent
Lubricating greases are a stable mixture of a base oil and a thickening agent. KEMAT Polybutenes, Polybut™ and Polybol™ all have particular properties as base oils as well as modifiers to achieve the level of modern properties for Polybutene greases.
By blending metallic stearates (metal soaps), such as aluminium stearate with KEMAT polybutene, the polybutene can be converted into a soap-based gel. Lubricating greases can be made by mixing PIB with aluminium soaps, calcium or lithium, for use in plain and anti-friction bearings.
The consistency of the grease is controlled by polybutene. It provides a barrier to help prevent water wash-off. This is important when greases are used in off-highway equipment and applications needing a grease that clings to metal and resists spin-off.
KEMAT has a wide range of molecular weight (MW) polybutenes going from Polybut™ (lower MW) to Polybol™ (medium and higher MW). All are used in grease manufacturing.
Property | Polybutene character | Applications |
---|---|---|
Pour Point | Improved performance over mineral oils under low temperature conditions | Low temperature greases for automotive and industrial use |
Toxicity | No detectable aromatic content and practically non-toxic | Incidental food contact greases |
Colour | White or transparent when thickened with light-coloured thickening agent | Food or medical greases |
Water resistance | Hydrophobic with good sealant properties for corrosion protection | Greases for bottling and canning lines |
Inertness | Good chemical and physical stability; permanently non-drying | Corrosion protection; wire rope lubricants; cable greases |
Viscosity | Wide range to modify adhesiveness and temperature response of grease | Heavy-duty gear operated over wide temperature range |
Volatility | Depolymerizes to volatile compounds above 250°C without residue or staining | Graphite or molybdenum disulphide suspensions |
End User Applications
KEMAT Polybutenes of low viscosity Polybut™ can be used as the base oil for the manufacturing of a grease.
KEMAT Polybutenes of medium to high viscosity Polybol™ are used in conjunction with a conventional mineral oil to produce a blend oil from which a lubricating grease can be manufactured. The polybutene will adjust the viscosity and Viscosity Index (VI) of the mineral oil to modify and improve the properties of the finished grease.