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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Facile Synthesis of Functionalised Hyperbranched Polymers for Application as Novel, Low Viscosity Lubricant
Sophie R Goodwin1, Amy Stimpson1, Richard Moon1
1Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
Polymers
|September 23, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new method for creating hyperbranched (HB) materials. These novel HB additives significantly improve lubricant performance, offering better wear protection and enhanced low-temperature flow.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Tribology
Background:
- Developing advanced lubricant additives is crucial for enhancing machinery performance and longevity.
- Current lubricant formulations face challenges with low-temperature viscosity and effective film formation.
- Hyperbranched (HB) polymers offer unique structural properties that can be leveraged for additive applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a novel synthesis method for hyperbranched (HB) materials.
- To evaluate the performance of these HB materials as lubricant additives.
- To investigate the impact of HB structure on lubricant properties like wear protection and low-temperature viscosity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of alkyl methacrylate oligomers (dimers and trimers) via catalytic chain transfer polymerization.
- Utilizing these oligomers as functional chain transfer agents (CTA) for divinyl benzene (DVB) polymerization to create HB polymers.
- Characterizing the synthesized HB polymers and evaluating their performance in lubricant formulations.
Main Results:
- A new method for synthesizing highly soluble, high polydispersity HB polymers was established.
- Lubricant formulations with HB additives demonstrated superior wear protection compared to industry standards.
- The HB-containing lubricants exhibited improved low-temperature viscosity and flow, along with enhanced in-use film-forming properties.
- Oligomer purification levels influenced HB structure and additive performance, with alkyl chains from CTAs imparting base oil solubility.
Conclusions:
- The novel HB synthesis method provides a versatile route to advanced lubricant additives.
- The developed HB additives significantly enhance key lubricant performance metrics, including wear resistance and low-temperature behavior.
- This research offers a promising pathway for formulating next-generation lubricants with superior protective capabilities.
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