Kinetic Study of the Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Squalane (C30H62) Modeling the Base Oil of Engine Lubricants

Diaby, M; Sablier, M; Le Negrate, A; El Fassi, M

HERO ID

4066803

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

HERO ID 4066803
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Kinetic Study of the Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Squalane (C30H62) Modeling the Base Oil of Engine Lubricants
Authors Diaby, M; Sablier, M; Le Negrate, A; El Fassi, M
Journal Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power
Volume 132
Issue 3
Page Numbers 671-681
Abstract On the basis of ongoing research conducted on the clarification of processes responsible for lubricant degradation in the environment of piston grooves in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) diesel engines, an experimental investigation was aimed to develop a kinetic model, which can be used for the prediction of lubricant oxidative degradation correlated with endurance test conducted on engines. Knowing that base oils are a complex blend of paraffins and naphthenes with a wide range of sizes and structures, their chemistry analysis during the oxidation process can be highly convoluted. In the present work, investigations were carried out with the squalane (C30H62) chosen for its physical and chemical similarities with the lubricant base oils used during the investigations. Thermo-oxidative degradation of this hydrocarbon was conducted at atmospheric pressure in a tubular furnace, while varying temperature and duration of the tests in order to establish an oxidation reaction rate law. The same experimental procedures were applied to squalane doped with two different phenolic antioxidants usually present in engine oil composition: 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate. Thus, the effect of both antioxidants on the oxidation rate law was investigated. Data analysis of the oxidized samples (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) allowed rationalization of the thermo-oxidative degradation of squalane. The resulting kinetic modeling provides a practical analytical tool to follow the thermal degradation processes, which can be used for prediction of base oil hydrocarbon aging. If experiments confirmed the role of phenolic additives as an effective agent to lower oxidation rates, the main results lie in the observation of a threshold temperature where a reversed activity of these additives was observed. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3155797]
Doi 10.1115/1.3155797
Wosid WOS:000272388200017
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Conference Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Conference Name Proceedings of the 2009 Spring Technical Conference of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division : presented at 2009 ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Spring Technical Conference
Conference Date May 3-6, 2009
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
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