Synthesis and Lubricating Properties of Succinic Acid Alkyl Ester Derivatives

In this paper, a series of alkyl succinic acid esters for base oil were synthesized by condensation reaction of succinic anhydride and fatty alcohol. The structures of the synthesized esters were confirmed by -NMR, FT-IR spectrum and GC analysis. Basic properties of esters such as kinematic viscosity (KV), refractive index (RI), total acid number (TAN) and pour points were measured and lubricating properties such as SRV wear scar diameter (SRV WSD), fraction coefficient (COF) and 4-ball wear (4-ball WSD) were also evaluated. As the results of basic properties, KV, RI and pour point of synthetic esters increased as the carbon chain of the esters increased. Measurement value of total acid number (TAN) was indicated between 0.2~4 mgKOH/g, and that metal working fluids and pressure working oils are acceptable to use as base oil. Also, lubricating properties of the esters showed as follows: 0.391~0.689 mm of SRV WSD, 0.110~0.138 of SRV COF and 0.49~0.55 mm of 4-ball WSD depended on the structure of the esters. In a comparison on the lubrication capacity of the SRV test based on polyester TMPTO, SRV WSD result showed that a better performance caused by the alkyl group. On the other hand, SRV COF test was not influenced of the alkyl group which the capacity of the lubricant was sightly diminished than the comparison material, regardless of the alkyl group.