Biosynthetic™ Technologies
The Use of Estolides to Produce High Performance Motor Oils

By Jakob Bredsguard, Chief Technical Officer, Biosynthetic Technologies | TLT CMF Plus November 2014

Typical Estolide Structure
Estolides are a class of synthetic high-performing compounds derived from renewable sources.

Estolide Properties




Oxidative Stability

Biosynthetic 7 cSt Estolide (SE7B)
Compared to Common Similar Viscosity Base Oils (6 to 8 cSt)
ASTM D2272, RPVOT (minutes)
Notes: Base oil samples are additized with 1% antioxidant (1:1 wt/wt aminic/phenolic blend).

Evaporative Loss

NOACK of Biosynthetic 7 cSt Estolide (SE7B)
Compared to Common Low Viscosity Base Oils
ASTM D5800 (wt%)
Notes: (1) Base oil samples are unadditized.

Hydrolytic Stability

Biosynthetic 7 cSt Estolide (SE7B)
Compared to Common Similar Viscosity Base Oils (6 to 8 cSt)
Modified ASTM D2619, Water Acidity Increase at 144 Hours (mg KOH/g)
Notes: (1) Base oil samples are unadditized.

Biodegradability

Biodegradability of Biosynthetic SE7B
Compared to Common Low Viscosity Base Oils
OECD 301 (% Degraded in 28 Days)
Notes: Base oil samples are unadditized.

PCMO API SN ILSAC GF 5

DI package and VM provided by Infineum International Limited.

PCMO Formulation


Engine Cleanliness
Field Trial Details
• 150,000 mile (241,402 km) taxi cab field trial under severe stop and go conditions in Las Vegas Nevada, USA
• First 100,000 miles (160,934 km) ≈ 84% estolide with additives
• Last 50,000 miles (80,467 km) ≈ 42% estolides, 42% GpIII, and additives
• Reference Oil – Minimum Quality GF-5 oil
• Typical drain interval 2 to 3 times recommended mileage
• Vehicle – Taxi Cab, Chevy Impala, 3.5 liter V6
• Engines run on estolide-based formulations had far less varnish


Other Applications
Estolides are now used by many major oil companies in a wide number of applications including:
• Motor Oil
• Hydraulic Fluid
• Grease
• Various Marine Applications
• Dielectric Fluid
• Metalworking Fluid
• And many others.

Conclusion
Estolides are a high-performing biosynthetic that offer an environmentally acceptable base oil option without giving up performance and in fact support efforts to further improve the quality of lubricants used in automotives.

With Questions Please Contact:
Jakob Bredsguard
Chief Technical Officer
Biosynthetic Technologies
949-390-5915
JakeB@Biosynthetic.com