Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC

Thomas R Smith

Frances Ellen Lockwood

Michael A Dituro

Richard J Baumgart

Gefei Wu

Zhiqiang Zhang

Mandeep S Saini

The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition.

Gear oil composition containing nanomaterial

An engine lubricant formulated as a complete crankcase motor oil or additive concentrate composed of a combination of chemical constituents including a base oil selected from a synthetic oil, a mineral oil or semi-synthetic base oil (hydrogenated oil) or combination thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, a dispersant inhibitor containing zinc dithiophosphate, and viscosity index improvers and one or more seal swelling agents to lubricate the engine and recondition the seals of new and/or high mileage engines. Addition of a polyalphaolefin and/or one or more esters such as a diester or polyolester may also be utilized therein. The lubricant may be formulated as a complete engine oil crankcase lubricant, or concentrated into an additive for addition to conventional mineral oil based engine oil, synthetic engine oils, or blends thereof in an effective amount of up to 30 percent volume percent, typically from 20 to 25 percent by volume.

Lubricant and additive formulation

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Lexington, KY, United States of America

Thomas R Smith