Biodegradable Branched Synthetic Ester Base Stocks and Lubricants Formed Therefrom

The present invention relates generally to the use of branched synthetic esters to improve the cold-flow properties and dispersant solubility of biodegradable lubricant base stocks without loss of biodegradation or lubrication. At least 60% biodegradation (as measured by the Modified Sturm test) can be achieved with branching along the chains of the acyl and/or alcohol portions of the ester. These branched synthetic esters are particularly useful in the formation of biodegradable lubricants in two-cycle engine oils, catapult oils, hydraulic fluids, drilling fluids, water turbine oils, greases, compressor oils, gear oils, and other industrial and engine applications where biodegradability is needed or desired.

The interest in developing biodegradable lubricants for use in applications which result in the dispersion of such lubricants into waterways, such as rivers, oceans and lakes, has generated substantial interest by both the environmental community and lubricant manufacturers. The synthesis of a lubricant which maintains its cold-flow properties and additive solubility without loss of biodegradation or lubrication would be highly desirable.

Base stocks for biodegradable lubricant applications (e.g., two-cycle engine oils, catapult oils, hydraulic fluids, drilling fluids, water turbine oils, greases and compressor oils) should typically meet five criteria: (1) solubility with dispersants and other additives such as polyamides, (2) good cold flow properties (such as, less than -40.degree. C. pour point; less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.); (3) sufficient biodegradability to off-set the low biodegradability of any dispersants and/or other additives to the formulated lubricant; (4) good lubricity without the aid of wear additives; and (5) high flash point (greater than 260.degree. C., flash and fire points by COC (Cleveland Open Cup) as measured by ASTM test number D-92).

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued draft test guidelines for degradation and accumulation testing in December 1979. The Expert Group recommended that the following tests should be used to determine the "ready biodegradability" of organic chemicals: Modified OECD Screening Test, Modified MITI Test (I), Closed Bottle Test, Modified Sturm Test and the Modified AFNOR Test. The Group also recommended that the following "pass levels" of biodegradation, obtained within 28 days, may be regarded as good evidence of "ready biodegradability": (Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC)) 70%; (Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)) 60%; (Total Organic Carbon (TOD)) 60%; (CO.sub.2) 60%; and (DOC) 70%, respectively, for the tests listed above. Therefore, the "pass level" of biodegradation, obtained within 28 days, using the Modified Sturm Test is at least (CO.sub.2) 60%.

Since the main purpose in setting the test duration at 28 days was to allow sufficient time for adaptation of the micro-organisms to the chemical (lag phase), this should not allow compounds which degrade slowly, after a relatively short adaptation period, to pass the test. A check on the rate of biodegradation therefore should be made. The "pass level" of biodegradation (60%) must be reached within 10 days of the start of biodegradation. Biodegradation is considered to have begun when 10% of the theoretical CO.sub.2 has evolved. That is, a readily biodegradable fluid should have at least a 60% yield of CO.sub.2 within 28 days, and this level must be reached within 10 days of biodegradation exceeding 10%. This is known as the "10-Day Window."

The OECD guideline for testing the "ready biodegradability" of chemicals under the Modified Sturm test (OECD 301B, adopted May 12, 1981, and which is incorporated herein by reference) involves the measurement of the amount of CO.sub.2 produced by the test compound which is measured and expressed as a percent of the theoretical CO.sub.2 (TCO.sub.2) it should have produced calculated from the carbon content of the test compound. Biodegradability is therefore expressed as a percentage of TCO.sub.2. The Modified Sturm test is run by spiking a chemically defined liquid medium, essentially free of other organic carbon sources, with the test material and inoculated with sewage micro-organisms. The CO.sub.2 released is trapped as BaCO.sub.3. After reference to suitable blank controls, the total amount of CO.sub.2 produced by the test compound is determined for the test period and calculated as the percentage of total CO.sub.2 that the test material could have theoretically produced based on carbon composition. See G. van der Waal and D. Kenbeek, "Testing, Application, and Future Development of Environmentally Friendly Ester Based Fluids", Journal of Synthetic Lubrication, Vol. 10, Issue No. 1, April 1993, pp. 67-83, which is incorporated herein by reference.

One base stock in current use today is rapeseed oil (i.e., a triglyceride of fatty acids, e.g., 7% saturated C.sub.12 to C.sub.18, acids, 50% oleic acid, 36% linoleic acid and 7% linolenic acid, having, the following properties: a viscosity at 40.degree. C. of 47.8 cSt, a pour point of 0.degree. C., a flash point of 162.degree. C. and a biodegradability of 85% by the Modified Sturm test. Although it has very good biodegradability, its use in biodegradable lubricant applications is limited due to its poor low temperature properties and poor stability.

Unless they are sufficiently low in molecular weight, esters synthesized from both linear acids and linear alcohols tend to have poor low temperature properties. Even when synthesized from linear acids and highly branched alcohols, such as polyol esters of linear acids, high viscosity esters with good low temperature properties can be difficult to achieve. In addition, pentaerythritol esters of linear acids exhibit poor solubility with dispersants such as polyamides, and trimethylolpropane esters of low molecular weight (i.e., having a carbon number less than 14) linear acids do not provide sufficient lubricity. This lower quality of lubricity is also seen with adipate esters of branched alcohols. Since low molecular weight linear esters also have low viscosities, some degree of branching is required to build viscosity while maintaining good cold flow properties. When both the alcohol and acid portions of the ester are highly branched, however, such as with the case of polyol esters of highly branched oxo acids, the resulting molecule tends to exhibit poor biodegradation as measured by the Modified Sturm test (OECD Test No. 301B).

In an article by Randles and Wright, "Environmentally Considerate Ester Lubricants for the Automotive and Engineering Industries", Journal of Synthetic Lubrication, Vol. 9-2, pp. 145-161, it was stated that the main features which slow or reduce microbial breakdown are the extent of branching, which reduces .beta.-oxidation, and the degree to which ester hydrolysis is inhibited. The negative effect on biodegradability due to branching along, the carbon chain is further discussed in a book by R. D. Swisher, "Surfactant Biodegradation", Marcel Dekker, Inc., Second Edition, 1987, pp. 415-417. In his book, Swisher stated that "The results clearly showed increased resistance to biodegradation with increased branching . . . . Although the effect of a single methyl branch in an otherwise linear molecule is barely noticeable, increased resistance ›to biodegradation! with increased branching is generally observed, and resistance becomes exceptionally great when quaternary branching occurs at all chain ends in the molecule." The negative effect of alkyl branching on biodegradability was also discussed in an article by N. S. Battersby, S. E. Pack, and R. J. Watkinson, "A Correlation Between the Biodegradability of Oil Products in the CEC-L-33-T-82 and Modified Sturm Tests", Chemosphere, 24(12), pp. 1989-2000 (1992).

Initially, the poor biodegradation of branched polyol esters was believed to be a consequence of the branching and, to a lesser extent, to the insolubility of the molecule in water. However, recent work by the present inventors has shown that the non-biodegradability of these branched esters is more a function of steric hindrance than of the micro-organism's inability to breakdown the tertiary and quaternary carbons. Thus, by relieving the steric hindrance around the ester linkage(s), biodegradation can more readily occur with branched esters.

Branched synthetic polyol esters have been used extensively in non-biodegradable applications, such as refrigeration lubricant applications, and have proven to be quite effective if 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid is incorporated into the molecule at 25 molar percent or greater. However, trimethylhexanoic acid is not biodegradable as determined by the Modified Sturm test (OECD 301B), and the incorporation of 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, even at 25 molar percent, would drastically lower the biodegradation of the polyol ester due to the quaternary carbons contained therein.

Likewise, incorporation of trialkyl acetic acids (i.e., neo acids) into a polyol ester produces very useful refrigeration lubricants. These acids do not, however, biodegrade as determined by the Modified Sturm test (OECD 301B) and cannot be used to produce polyol esters for biodegradable applications. Polyol esters of all branched acids can be used as refrigeration oils as well. However, they do not rapidly biodegrade as determined by the Modified Sturm Test (OECD 301B) and, therefore, are not desirable for use in biodegradable applications.

Although polyol esters made from purely linear C.sub.5 and C.sub.10 acids for refrigeration applications would be biodegradable under the Modified Sturm test, they would not work as a lubricant in hydraulic or two-cycle engine applications because the viscosities would be too low and wear additives would be needed. It is extremely difficult to develop a lubricant base stock which is capable of exhibiting all of the various properties required for biodegradable lubricant applications, i.e., high viscosity, low pour point, oxidative stability and biodegradability as measured by the Modified Sturm test.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,633 (Carr et al.), which issued on May 2, 1989, discloses a synthetic ester lubricant base stock formed by reacting at least one of trimethylolpropane and monopentaerythritol with a mixture of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids. The mixture of acids includes straight-chain acids having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and an iso-acid having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably iso-nonanoic acid (i.e., 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid). This base stock is mixed with a conventional ester lubricant additive package to form a lubricant having a viscosity at 99.degree. C. (210.degree. F.) of at least 5.0 centistokes and a pour point of at least as low as -54.degree. C. (-65.degree. F.). This lubricant is particularly useful in gas turbine engines. The Carr et al. patent differs from the present invention for two reasons. Firstly, it preferably uses as its branched acid 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid which contains a quaternary carbon in every acid molecule. The incorporation of quaternary carbons within the 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid inhibits biodegradation of the polyol ester product. Also, since the lubricant according to Carr et al. exhibits high stability, as measured by a high pressure differential scanning calorimeter (HPDSC), i.e., about 35 to 65 minutes, the micro-organisms cannot pull them apart. Conversely, the lubricant according to the present invention is low in stability, i.e., it has a HPDSC reading, of about 12-17 minutes. The lower stability allows the micro-organisms to attack the carbon-to-carbon bonds about the polyol structure and effectively cause the ester to biodegrade. One reason that the lubricant of the present invention is lower is stability is the fact that no more than 10% of the branched acids used to form the lubricant's ester base stock contain a quaternary carbon.

Therefore, the present inventors have discovered that highly biodegradable lubricants using biodegradable base stocks with good cold flow properties, good solubility with dispersants, and good lubricity can be achieved by incorporating branched acids into the ester molecule. The branched acids used in accordance with the present invention are needed to build viscosity and the multiple isomers in these acids are helpful in attaining low temperature properties. That is, the branched acids allow the chemist to build viscosity without increasing molecular weight. Furthermore, branched biodegradable lubricants provide the following cumulative advantages over all linear biodegradable lubricants: (1) decreased pour point; (2) increased solubilities of other additives; (3) increased detergency/dispersancy of the lubricant oil; and (4) increased oxidative stability in hydraulic fluid and catapult oil applications.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,524 (Miyaji et al.), which issued May 3, 1994, is directed to a biodegradable lubricating oil composition for two-cycle or rotary engines. One of the examples of Miyaji et al. is an ester base stock of pentaerythritol with iso-C.sub.8 monobasic fatty acid and n-C.sub.10 monobasic fatty acid which exhibited a kinematic viscosity of 39.9 cSt at 40.degree. C. and a biodegradability of 98% under the CEC test. It should be noted that the CEC test is not nearly as reliable as the Modified Sturm test in detecting biodegradability. Since the viscosity of an ester of pentaerythritol and iso-C.sub.8 acid is approximately 50 cSt at 40.degree. C. and the viscosity of an ester of pentaerythritol and n-C.sub.10 acid is about 38.6 cSt at 40.degree. C., the ester of pentaerythritol and a mixture of iso-C.sub.8 and n-C.sub.10 acids as disclosed in Miyaji et al. would only include about 10% or less iso-C.sub.8 acid in order to obtain a viscosity of 39.9 cSt at 40.degree. C. It is known to one of ordinary skill in the art that esters having low amounts of branched acids, i.e., 10% or less, may be biodegradable such as that disclosed in Miyaji et al. The present invention, however, is directed to a biodegradable ester base stock having mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar % of a linear acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, and about 20 to 70 molar % of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.10. It is not known to those skilled in the art to use such large percentages of branched acids and still produce a product which exhibits at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test. In fact, conventional wisdom would teach away from using 20 to 70 molar % of a branched acid in the synthesis of a biodegradable ester base stock. Furthermore, the ester base stock of Miyaji et al. having 10% of an iso-C.sub.8 acid would not meet the low temperature property requirements of the present invention, i.e., a pour point of less than -25.degree. C., preferably less than -40.degree. C., and a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C. That is, the ester base stock disclosed in Miyaji et al. would be solid at -25.degree. C. or less.

The data compiled by the present inventors and set forth in the examples to follow show that all of the above listed properties can be best met with biodegradable lubricants formulated with biodegradable synthetic ester base stocks which incorporate both highly branched acids and linear acids.

A biodegradable synthetic base stock which preferably comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms (preferably an alkyl) and n is at least 2 and up to about 10; and mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar %, more preferably about 35 to 55 mole %, of a linear acid having a carbon number (i.e., carbon number means the total number of carbon atoms in either the acid or alcohol as the case may be) in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, more preferably about C.sub.7 to C.sub.10 ; and about 20 to 70 molar %, more preferably about 35 to 55 mole %, of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13, more preferably about C.sub.7 to C.sub.10 ; wherein the ester exhibits the following properties: at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25.degree. C.; a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.; and oxidative stability of up to 45 minutes as measured by HPDSC.

In the most preferred embodiment, it is desirable to have a branched acid comprising multiple isomers, preferably more than 3 isomers, most preferably more than 5 isomers. The linear acid is preferably an alkyl mono- or di- carboxylic acid having the general formula RCOOH, wherein R is an n-alkyl having between about 4 to 11 carbon atoms, more preferably between about 7 to 10 carbon atoms. It is also preferable that no more than 10% of the branched acids used to form the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock contain a quaternary carbon.

These biodegradable synthetic base stocks are particularly useful in the formulation of biodegradable lubricants, such as, two-cycle engine oils, biodegradable catapult oils, biodegradable hydraulic fluids, biodegradable drilling fluids, biodegradable water turbine oils, biodegradable greases, biodegradable, compressor oils, functional fluids, such as gear oil, and other industrial and engine applications where biodegradability is needed or desired.

The formulated biodegradable lubricants according to the present invention preferably comprise about 60-99.5% by weight of at least one biodegradable lubricant synthetic base stock discussed above, about 1 to 20% by weight lubricant additive package, and about 0.5 to 20% of a solvent.

The biodegradable lubricants of the present invention also exhibit the following properties: (1) very low toxicity; (2) enhanced oxidative stability; and (3) neutral to seal swelling.

FIG. 1 is a graph plotting various formulated hydraulic fluids having ester base stocks against the stability of each as measured by HPDSC @ 200.degree. C.;

FIG. 2 is a graph plotting various natural and synthetic base stocks against the stability (HPDSC) and biodegradability (RBOT) of each; and

FIG. 3 is a graph plotting the percent increase in seal swell for various ester base stocks versus various materials used to make seals, i.e., nitrile, acrylate, fluoro, neoprene and silicone.

The branched synthetic ester base stock used in the formulation of various biodegradable lubricants and oils in accordance with the present invention is preferably formed from the reaction product of technical grade pentaerythritol, which comprises between about 86-92% mono-pentaerythritol, 6-12% di-pentaerythritol and 1-3% tri-pentaerythritol, with approximately 45-70 molar C.sub.8 and C.sub.10 linear acids ("C810" linear acids) and approximately 30-55 molar % iso-C.sub.8 (e.g., Cekanoic 8) branched acids.

Neopentyl glycol (NPG) can be totally esterified with 2-ethylhexanoic acid or an iso-C8 acid and still maintain about 90% biodegradation as measured by the Modified Sturm test. After two branched acids have been added to a branched polyol, the ester linkages beg,in to become crowded around the quaternary carbon of the branched alcohol. Additional branched acids added to the branched alcohol begin to lower the biodegradation of the molecule such that by the fourth addition of a branched acid to the branched alcohol, the biodegradation of the resulting molecule drops from about 80% to less than 15% biodegradation as measured by the Modified Sturm test.

Introduction of linear acids into the molecule relieves the steric crowding around the quaternary carbon of the branched alcohol. Thus, by having two branched acids and two linear acids on pentaerythritol, for example, the enzymes have access to the ester linkages, and the first stage of biodegradation, i.e., the hydrolysis of the ester, can occur. In each of the pentaerythritol esters, the hydroxyl groups are esterified with the various branched and linear acids.

Among the alcohols which can be reacted with the branched and linear acids of the present invention are, by way of example, polyols (i.e., polyhydroxyl compounds) represented by the general formula:

wherein R is any aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic hydrocarbyl group (preferably an alkyl) and n is at least 2. The hydrocarbyl group may contain from about 2 to about 20 or more carbon atoms, and the hydrocarbyl group may also contain substituents such as chlorine, nitrogen and/or oxygen atoms. The polyhydroxyl compounds generally will contain from about 2 to about 10 hydroxyl groups and more preferably from about 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups. The polyhydroxy compound may contain one or more oxyalkylene groups and, thus, the polyhydroxy compounds include compounds such as polyetherpolyols. The number of carbon atoms (i.e., carbon number) and number of hydroxy groups (i.e., hydroxyl number) contained in the polyhydroxy compound used to form the carboxylic esters may vary over a wide range.

The following alcohols are particularly useful as polyols: neopentyl glycol, 2,2-dimethylol butane, trimethylol ethane, trimethylol propane, trimethylol butane, mono-pentaerythritol, technical grade pentaerythritol, di-pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, etc., and blends thereof such as a polymerized mixture of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol).

The preferred branched or linear alcohols are selected from the group consisting of: technical grade pentaerythritol, mono-pentaerythritol, di-pentaerythritol, neopentylglycol, trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane and propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, sorbitol and the like, and 2-methylpropanediol. The most preferred alcohol is technical grade (i.e., 88% mono, 10% di and 1-2% tri) pentaerythritol.

The branched acid is preferably a mono-carboxylic acid which has a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13, more preferably about C.sub.7 to C.sub.10 wherein methyl branches are preferred. The preferred branched acids are those wherein less than or equal to 10% of the branched acids contain a quaternary carbon. The mono-carboxylic acid is at least one acid selected from the group consisting of: 2-ethylhexanoic acids, isoheptanoic acids, iso-octanoic acids, iso-nonanoic acids, iso-decanoic acids, and .alpha.-branched acids. The most preferred branched acid is iso-octanoic acids, eg., Cekanoic 8 acid. The branched acid is predominantly a doubly branched or an alpha branched acid having an average branching per molecule in the range between about 0.3 to 1.9.

It is desirable to have a branched acid comprising multiple isomers, preferably more than 3 isomers, most preferably more than 5 isomers.

The preferred mono- and/or di-carboxylic linear acids are any linear, saturated alkyl carboxylic acids having a carbon number in the range between about 5 to 12, preferably 7 to 10. The most preferred linear acids are mono-carboxylic acids.

Some examples of linear acids include n-heptanoic, n-octanoic, n-decanoic and n-nonanoic acids. Selected diacids include adipic, azelaic, sebacic and dodecanedioic acids. For the purpose of modifying the viscosity of the resultant ester product, up to 20 wt. % of the total acid mixture can consist of linear di-acids.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable lubricants together with selected lubricant additives. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. Typical amounts for individual components are also set forth below. The preferred biodegradable lubricant contains approximately 80% or greater by weight of the base stock and 20% by weight of any combination of the following additives:

When other additives are employed, it may be desirable, although not necessary, to prepare additive concentrates comprising concentrated solutions or dispersions of the dispersant (in concentrated amounts hereinabove described), together with one or more of the other additives (concentrate when constituting an additive mixture being referred to herein as an additive package) whereby several additives can be added simultaneously to the base stock to form the lubricating oil composition. Dissolution of the additive concentrate into the lubricating oil may be facilitated by solvents and by mixing accompanied with mild heating, but this is not essential. The concentrate or additive-package will typically be formulated to contain the dispersant additive and optional additional additives in proper amounts to provide the desired concentration in the final formulation when the additive package is combined with a predetermined amount of base lubricant or base stock. Thus, the biodegradable lubricants according to the present invention can employ typically up to about 20 wt. % of the additive package with the remainder being biodegradable ester base stock and/or a solvent.

All of the weight percents expressed herein (unless otherwise indicated) are based on active ingredient (A.I.) content of the additive, and/or upon the total weight of any additive-package, or formulation which will be the sum of the A.I. weight of each additive plus the weight of total oil or diluent.

Examples of the above additives for use in biodegradable lubricants are set forth in the following documents which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,313 (Emert et al.), which issued on Apr. 26, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,554 (Waddoups et al.), which issued on May 17, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,624 (Chung), which issued Jul. 12, 1994; an article by Benfaremo and Liu, "Crankcase Engine Oil Additives", lubrication, Texaco Inc., pp. 1-7; and an article by Liston, "Engine Lubricant Additives What They are and How They Function", Lubrication Engineering, May 1992, pp. 389-397.

Viscosity modifiers impart high and low temperature operability to the lubricating oil and permit it to remain shear stable at elevated temperatures and also exhibit acceptable viscosity or fluidity at low temperatures. These viscosity modifiers are generally high molecular weight hydrocarbon polymers including polyesters. The viscosity modifiers may also be derivatized to include other properties or functions, such as the addition of dispersancy properties. Representative examples of suitable viscosity modifiers are any of the types known to the art including polyisobutylene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene, polymethacrylates, methacrylate copolymers, copolymers of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and vinyl compound, interpolymers of styrene and acrylic esters, and partially hydrogenated copolymers of styrene/isoprene, styrene/butadiene, and isoprene/butadiene, as well as the partially hydrogenated homopolymers of butadiene and isoprene.

Corrosion inhibitors, also known as anti-corrosive agents, reduce the degradation of the metallic parts contacted by the lubricating oil composition. Illustrative of corrosion inhibitors are phosphosulfurized hydrocarbons and the products obtained by reaction of a phosphosulfurized hydrocarbon with an alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide, preferably in the presence of an alkylated phenol or of an alkylphenol thioester, and also preferably in the presence of an alkylated phenol or of an alkylphenol thioester, and also preferably in the presence of carbon dioxide. Phosphosulfurized hydrocarbons are prepared by reacting a suitable hydrocarbon such as a terpene, a heavy petroleum fraction of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 olefin polymer such as polyisobutylene, with from 5 to 30 wt. % of a sulfide of phosphorus for 1/2 to 15 hours, at temperatures in the range of about 66.degree. to about 316.degree. C. Neutralization of the phosphosulfurized hydrocarbon may be effected in the manner taught in U.S. Pat. No. 1,969,324.

Oxidation inhibitors, or antioxidants, reduce the tendency of mineral oils to deteriorate in service which deterioration can be evidenced by the products of oxidation such as sludge and varnish-like deposits on the metal surfaces, and by viscosity growth. Such oxidation inhibitors include alkaline earth metal salts of alkyl-phenolthioesters having preferably C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 alkyl side chains, e.g., calcium nonylphenol sulfide, barium octylphenylsulfide, dioctylphenylamine, phenylalphanaphthylamine, phosphosulfurized or sulfurized hydrocarbons, etc.

Friction modifiers serve to impart the proper friction characteristics to lubricating oil compositions such as automatic transmission fluids. Representative examples of suitable friction modifiers are fatty acid esters and amides, molybdenum complexes of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride-amino alkanols, glycerol esters of dimerized fatty acids, alkane phosphonic acid salts, phosphonate with an oleamide, S-carboxyalkylene hydrocarbyl succinimide, N(hydroxylalkyl)alkenylsuccinamic acids or succinimides, di-(lower alkyl) phosphites and epoxides, and alkylene oxide adduct of phosphosulfurized N-(hydroxyalkyl)alkenyl succinimides. The most preferred friction modifiers are succinate esters, or metal salts thereof, of hydrocarbyl substituted succinic acids or anhydrides and thiobis-alkanols.

Dispersants maintain oil insolubles, resulting from oxidation during use, in suspension in the fluid thus preventing sludge flocculation and precipitation or deposition on metal parts. Suitable dispersants include high molecular weight alkyl succinimides, the reaction product of oil-soluble polyisobutylene succinic anhydride with ethylene amines such as tetraethylene pentamine and borated salts thereof.

Still other dispersants of the ashless type can also be used to in lubricant and fuel compositions. One such ashless dispersant is a derivatized hydrocarbon composition which is mixed with at least one of amine, alcohol, including polyol, aminoalcohol, etc. The preferred derivatized hydrocarbon dispersant is the product of reacting (1) a functionalized hydrocarbon of less than 500 Mn wherein functionalization comprises at least one group of the formula --CO--Y--R.sup.3 wherein Y is O or S; R.sup.3 is H, hydrocarbyl, aryl, substituted aryl or substituted hydrocarbyl and wherein at least 50 mole % of the functional groups are attached to a tertiary carbon atom; and (2) a nucleophilic reactant; wherein at least about 80% of the functional groups originally present in the functionalized hydrocarbon are derivatized.

The functionalized hydrocarbon or polymer may be depicted by the formula:

wherein POLY is a hydrocarbon, including an oligomer or polymer backbone having a number average molecular weight of less than 500, n is a number greater than 0, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and are each H, hydrocarbyl with the proviso that either R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected such that at least 50 mole percent of the --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 groups wherein both R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not H, or R.sup.3 is aryl substituted hydrocarbyl.

The above functionalized dispersants are more fully described in co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 08/261,558, filed on Jun. 17, 1994, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Pour point depressants, otherwise known as lube oil flow improvers, lower the temperature at which the fluid will flow or can be poured. Such additives are well known. Typical of those additives which usually optimize the low temperature fluidity of the fluid are C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 dialkylfumarate vinyl acetate copolymers, polymethacrylates, and wax naphthalene. Foam control can be provided by an antifoamant of the polysiloxane type, e.g., silicone oil and polydimethyl siloxane.

Antiwear agents, as their name implies, reduce wear of metal parts. Representative of conventional antiwear agents are zinc dialkyldithiophosphate and zinc diaryldithiosphate.

Antifoam agents are used for controlling foam in the lubricant. Foam control can be provided by an antifoamant of the high molecular weight dimethylsiloxanes and polyethers. Some examples of the polysiloxane type antifoamant are silicone oil and polydimethyl siloxane.

Detergents and metal rust inhibitors include the metal salts of sulphonic acids, alkyl phenols, sulfurized alkyl phenols, alkyl salicylates, naphthenates and other oil soluble mono- and di-carboxylic acids. Highly basic (viz. overbased) metal salts, such as highly basic alkaline earth metal sulfonates (especially Ca and Mg salts) are frequently used as detergents.

Seal swellants include mineral oils of the type that provoke swelling of engine seals, including aliphatic alcohols of 8 to 13 carbon atoms such as tridecyl alcohol, with a preferred seal swellant being characterized as an oil-soluble, saturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon ester of from 10 to 60 carbon atoms and 2 to 4 linkages, e.g., dihexyl phthalate, as are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,081, which is incorporated by reference.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable two-cycle engine oils together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable two-cycle engine oil is typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional two-cycle engine oil additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, coupling agents, dispersants, extreme pressure agents, color stabilizers, surfactants, diluents, detergents and rust inhibitors, pour point depressants, antifoaming agents, and antiwear agents.

The biodegradable two-cycle engine oil according to the present invention can employ typically about 75 to 85% base stock, about 1 to 5% solvent, with the remainder comprising an additive package.

Examples of the above additives for use in biodegradable lubricants are set forth in the following documents which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,063 (Davis), which issued on May 5, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,667 (Tiffany, III et al.), which issued on Jul. 19, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,321 (Davis et al.), which issued on Apr. 26, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,172 (Alexander et al.), which issued on Jun. 14, 1994; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,291 (Miyaji et al.), which issued on Sep. 17, 1991.

One such biodegradable two cycle engine oil comprises:

(a) a major portion of at least one biodegradable synthetic ester base stock which comprises the reaction product of a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar % of a linear acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, and about 20 to 70 molar % of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13 ; wherein the ester base stock exhibits the following properties: at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25.degree. C.; and a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.;

(b) from about 3 to about 15 wt. %, based on lubricant composition of a bright stock having a kinematic viscosity of about 20 to about 40 cSt at 100.degree. C.;

(c) from about 3 to about 15 wt. %, based on lubricant composition of a polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 1050; and

(d) from about 3 to about 15 wt. % of a polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight from about 1150 to about 1650.

Another such biodegradable two cycle engine oil comprises:

(a) a major portion of at least one biodegradable synthetic ester base stock which comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar % of a linear acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, and about 20 to 70 molar % of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13 ; wherein the ester base stock exhibits the following properties: at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25.degree. C.; and a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.; and

(b) an additive concentration comprising: (1) about 4 to 40 volume % of an amide/imidazoline or amide/imide/imidazoline dispersant; (2) about 5 to 50 volume % of a succinimide dispersant, at least one of the dispersant (1) or (2) being borated; (3) about 1 to 60 volume % of a polyolefin thickener, and optionally; (4) about 0.1 to 5 volume % of an alkylphenyol sulphide; and (5) about 0.1 to 5 volume % of a phosphorous-containing antiwear agent. Treat rates for the additive package in finished oil can range from about 5 to about 60 percent by volume and preferably from about 35 to about 50 percent by volume of the concentrate. (See U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,667 (Tiffany, III et al.) which is incorporated herein by reference).

Still another biodegradable two cycle engine oil comprises:

(a) a major portion of at least one biodegradable synthetic ester base stock which comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar % of a linear acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, and about 20 to 70 molar % of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13 ; wherein the ester base stock exhibits the following properties: at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25.degree. C.; and a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.; and

(b) at least one amide/imidazoline-containing dispersant prepared by reacting a monocarboxylic acid acylating agent with a polyamine, and, optionally, a high molecular weight acylating agent. Such dispersants can also comprise imide moieties formed when the high molecular weight acylating agent is an appropriate diacid or anhydride thereof.

Another additive which may be admixed with the biodegradable base stock of the present invention to form a formulated two cycle engine oil comprises the combination of:

(a) at least one alkyl phenol of the formula

wherein each R is independently a substantially saturated hydrocarbon-based group of an average of at least about 10 aliphatic carbon atoms; a and b are each independently an integer of one up to three times the number of aromatic nuclei present in Ar with the proviso that the sum of a and b does not exceed the unsatisfied valences of Ar; and Ar is an aromatic moiety which is a single ring, a fused ring or a linked polynuclear ring having 0 to 3 optional substituents selected from the group consisting essentially of lower alkyl, lower alkoxyl, carboalkoxy methylol or lower hydrocarbon-based substituted methylol, nitro, nitroso, halo and combination of the optional substituents; and

(b) at least one amino compound with the proviso that the amino compound is not an amino phenyl. (See U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,063 (Davis) which is incorporated herein by reference.

A preferred dispersant for two-cycle oil formulations comprises a major amount of at least one oil of lubricating viscosity and a minor amount of a functionalized and derivatized hydrocarbon; wherein functionalization comprises at least one group of the formula --CO--Y--R.sup.3 wherein Y is O or S; R.sup.3 is aryl, substituted aryl or substituted hydrocarbyl, and --Y--R.sup.3 has a pKa of 12 or less; wherein at least 50 mole % of the functional groups are attached to a tertiary carbon atom; and wherein said functionalized hydrocarbon is derivatized by a nucleophilic reactant. The nucleophilic reactant is selected from the group consisting of alcohols and amines.

Finally, another two-cycle oil dispersant additive which substantially avoids the formation of gelled agglomerates at low temperatures but which correspondingly provides effective engine cleanliness, detergency, lubricity and wear inhibition. It has been discovered that a two-cycle oil additive comprising a nitrogen-containing compound prepared by reacting (A) at least one high molecular weight substituted carboxylic acid acylating agent with (B) at least one polyalkylene polyamine and (C) at least one monocarboxylic acid wherein the molar ratio of the monocarboxylic acid to high molecular weight substituted acylating agent is at least 3:1. This dispersant preferably contains oil soluble hydrocarbon moiety(ies) connected to polar moieties which are substantially comprised of tertiary amines, preferably imidazoline heterocycles, and wherein the ratio of tertiary amine to total amine is at least about 0.7:1. The additive remains stable to the formation of the gelled agglomerants, especially during prolong storage at low temperatures (0.degree. C. or less).

Catapults are instruments used on aircraft carriers at sea to eject the aircraft off of the carrier. The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable catapult oils together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable catapult oil is typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional catapult oil additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure agents, color stabilizers, detergents and rust inhibitors, antifoaming agents, antiwear agents, and friction modifiers.

The biodegradable catapult oil according to the present invention can employ typically about 90 to 99% base stock, with the remainder comprising an additive package.

Biodegradable catapult oils preferably include conventional corrosion inhibitors and rust inhibitors. If desired, the catapult oils may contain other conventional additives such as antifoam agents, antiwear agents, other antioxidants, extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers and other hydrolytic stabilizers. These additives are disclosed in Klamann, "Lubricants and Related Products", Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla., 1984, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable hydraulic fluids together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable hydraulic fluids are typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional hydraulic fluid additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, boundary lubrication agents, demulsifiers, pour point depressants, and antifoaming agents.

The biodegradable hydraulic fluid according to the present invention can employ typically about 90 to 99% base stock, with the remainder comprising an additive package.

Other additives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,274 (Jokinen et al.), which issued on Nov. 8, 1988, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable drilling fluids together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable drilling fluids are typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional drilling fluid additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, wetting agents, water loss improving agents, bactericides, and drill bit lubricants.

The biodegradable drilling fluid according to the present invention can employ typically about 60 to 90% base stock and about 5 to 25% solvent, with the remainder comprising an additive package. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,002 (Walker et al), which issued on May 3, 1983, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable hydrocarbon solvents include: mineral oils, particularly those paraffin base oils of good oxidation stability with a boiling range of from 200.degree.-400.degree. C. such as Mentor 28.RTM., sold by Exxon Chemical Americas, Houston, Tex.; diesel and gas oils; and heavy aromatic naphtha.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable water turbine oils together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable water turbine oil is typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional water turbine oil additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, thickeners, dispersants, anti-emulsifying agents, color stabilizers, detergents and rust inhibitors, and pour point depressants.

The biodegradable water turbine oil according to the present invention can employ typically about 65 to 75% base stock and about 5 to 30% solvent, with the remainder comprising an additive package, typically in the range between about 0.01 to about 5.0 weight percent each, based on the total weight of the composition.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable greases together with selected lubricant additives. The main ingredient found in greases is the thickening agent or gellant and differences in grease formulations have often involved this ingredient. Besides, the thickener or gellants, other properties and characteristics of greases can be influenced by the particular lubricating base stock and the various additives that can be used.

The preferred biodegradable greases are typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional grease additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, viscosity index improvers, oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure agents, detergents and rust inhibitors, pour point depressants, metal deactivators, antiwear agents, and thickeners or gellants.

The biodegradable grease according to the present invention can employ typically about 80 to 95% base stock and about 5 to 20% thickening agent or gellant, with the remainder comprising an additive package.

Typically thickening agents used in grease formulations include the alkali metal soaps, clays, polymers, asbestos, carbon black, silica gels, polyureas and aluminum complexes. Soap thickened greases are the most popular with lithium and calcium soaps being most common. Simple soap greases are formed from the alkali metal salts of long chain fatty acids with lithium 12-hydroxystearate, the predominant one formed from 12-hydroxystearic acid, lithium hydroxide monohydrate and mineral oil. Complex soap greases are also in common use and comprise metal salts of a mixture of organic acids. One typical complex soap grease found in use today is a complex lithium soap grease prepared from 12-hydroxystearic acid, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, azelaic acid and mineral oil. The lithium soaps are described and exemplified in may patents including U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,407 (Harting), which issued on Sep. 11, 1973; U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,973 (Gilani), which issued on Feb. 12, 1974; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,651 (Murray), which issued on Dec. 30, 1975, all of which are incorporated herein by reference together with U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,967 (Alexander), which issued on Jul. 12, 1983.

A description of the additives used in greases may be found in Boner, "Modern Lubricating Greases", 1976, Chapter 5, which is incorporated herein by reference, as well as additives listed above in the other biodegradable products.

The branched synthetic ester base stock can be used in the formulation of biodegradable compressor oils together with selected lubricant additives. The preferred biodegradable compressor oil is typically formulated using the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention together with any conventional compressor oil additive package. The additives listed below are typically used in such amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions. The additive package may include, but is not limited to, oxidation inhibitors, additive solubilizers, rust inhibitors/metal passivators, demulsifying agents, and antiwear agents.

The biodegradable compressor oil according to the present invention can employ typically about 80 to 99% base stock and about 1 to 15% solvent, with the remainder comprising an additive package.

The additives for compressor oils are also set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,759 (Culpon, Jr.), which issued on Oct. 20, 1992, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

The following are conventional ester base stocks which do not exhibit satisfactory properties for use as biodegradable lubricants. The properties listed in Tables 1 and 2 were determined as follows. Pour Point was determined using ASTM #D-97. Brookfield Viscosity at -25.degree. C. was determined using ASTM #D-2983. Kinematic viscosity (@ 40.degree. and 100.degree. C.) was determined using ASTM #D-445. Viscosity index (VI) was determined using ASTM #D-2270. Biodegradation was determined using the Modified Sturm test (OECD Test No. 301B). Solubility with dispersant was determined by blending the desired ratios and looking for haze, cloudiness, two-phases, etc. Engine wear was determined using the NMMA Yamaha CE50S Lubricity test. Oxidation induction time was determined using a high pressure differential scanning calorimeter (HPDSC) having isothermal/isobaric conditions of 220.degree. C. and 500 psi (3.445 MPa) air, respectively. Aquatic toxicity was determined using the Dispersion Aquatic Toxicity test. The acid number was determined using ASTM #D-664. The hydroxyl number of the respective samples was determined by infrared spectroscopy.

The properties of the branched ester base stock according to the present invention were compared against various conventional biodegradable lubricant base stocks and the results are set forth below in Table 2.

The data set forth in Table 2 above demonstrates that the TPE/C810/Ck8 biodegradable ester base stock according to the present invention is superior to rapeseed oil in cold flow properties and stability. The data also shows that the TPE/C810/Ck8 biodegradable ester base stock is superior to di-tridecyladipate in stability, biodegradation, and aquatic toxicity. The ester base stock according to the present invention is also superior to TMP/iso-C18 in cold flow properties, stability, and biodegradation.

Rapeseed oil, a natural product, is very biodegradable, but it has very poor low temperature properties and does not lubricate very well due to its instability. Rapeseed oil is very unstable and breaks down in the engine causing deposit formation, sludge and corrosion problems. The di-undecyladipate, while probably biodegradable, also has very poor low temperature properties. Polyol esters of low molecular weight linear acids do not provide lubricity, and those of high molecular weight linear or semi-linear acids have poor low temperature properties. In addition, the pentaerythritol esters of linear acids are not soluble with polyamide dispersants. The di-tridecyladipate is only marginally biodegradable and, when blended with a dispersant that has low biodegradability, the formulated oil is only about 45% biodegradable. In addition, the di-tridecyladipate does not provide lubricity. Lower molecular weight branched adipates such as di-isodecyladipate, while more biodegradable, also do not provide lubricity and can cause seal swell problems. Polyol esters of trimethylolpropane or pentaerythritol and branched oxo acids do not biodegrade easily due to the steric hindrance discussed earlier.

The present inventors have discovered that highly biodegradable base stocks with good cold flow properties, good solubility with dispersants, and good lubricity can be achieved by incorporating branched acids into the ester molecule. The data set forth in Table 3 below demonstrates that all of the desired base stock properties can be best met with polyol esters incorporating 20 to 70% of a highly branched oxo acid and 30 to 80% of a linear acid.

The data in Table 3 above shows that the polyol ester of technical grade pentaerythritol, iso-C8 and linear C8 10 acids can be used alone or in combination with other lower molecular weight esters as a biodegradable lubricant. These esters are particularly useful when lower viscosities are needed for a variety of biodegradable lubricant applications. The TPE/C810/Ck8 ester provides sufficient lubricity such that, even when diluted with other materials, it can meet the lubricity requirements without the addition of wear additives. When additives such as polyisobutylene, EP (extreme pressure) wear additives, corrosion inhibitors, or antioxidants are needed, the biodegradability of the final product can be reduced and the toxicity increased. If the base stock provides the needed properties without additives or if the additives needed can be minimized, the final product reflects the biodegradability and toxicity of the base stock, which in this case are high and low, respectively.

A sample of an ester base stock was prepared in accordance with the present invention wherein 220 lbs. (99.8 kg) of a C810 acid and 205 lbs. (93 kg) of Cekanoic 8 acid (a 50:50 molar ratio) were loaded into a reactor vessel and heated to 430.degree. F. (221.degree. C.) at atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, 75 lbs. (34 kg) of technical grade pentaerythritol were added to the acid mixture and the pressure was dropped until water began evolving. The water was taken overhead to drive the reaction. After about 6 hours of reaction time, the excess acids were removed overhead until a total acid number of 0.26 mgKOH/g was reached for the reaction product. The product was then neutralized and decolored for two hours at 90.degree. C. with twice the stoichiometric amount of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (based on acid number) and 0.15 wt. % admix (based on amount in the reactor). The admix is a blend of 80 wt. % carbon black and 20 wt. % dicalite. After two hours at 90.degree. C., the product was vacuum filtered to remove solids.

The properties set forth below in Table 4 were measured on the product:

An acid assay (saponification) was performed on the product in order to ascertain the amount of each acid actually on the molecule. Table 5 below sets forth the molar amounts of each acid on the product ester:

This resultant ester product was then submitted with and without additives for biodegradation tests for application into the hydraulic fluid market. The additives were used at a 2-5 wt. % treat rate. The results are set forth below in Table 6.

The resultant ester base stock formed in accordance with this Example 3 was also blended at a 50:50 wt. % ratio with the ester TMP/7810. This blend was submitted with and without additives for biodegradation tests for application into the two-cycle engine oil market. The additives were used at a 14-16 wt. % treat rate. The results are set forth in Table 7 below.

Table 8 below contains comparative data for all-linear and semi-linear esters verses the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock formed according to the present invention. We have provided two examples of the ester base stock according to the present invention because they contain two different molar ratios of Cekanoic 8 to C810. The results indicate that a certain amount of branching does not greatly affect biodegradation as measured by the Modified Sturm test and may, in fact, actually improve it which is contrary to conventional wisdom.

Branched synthetic esters according to the present invention have been shown to exhibit both biodegradability and oxidative stability. Branched synthetic esters that are both biodegradable and oxidatively stable have been synthesized by the reaction of one mole of technical grade pentaerythritol reacted with 1.05-3.15 mols of a mixed linear C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 acids (C810) and 1.05-3.15 mols of an iso C.sub.8 acid (Cekanoic 8), wherein the reactant ester is known as TPE/C810/Ck8. These esters can be used as base stocks for lubricants such as hydraulic fluids where oxidative stability is needed for equipment life and where biodegradability is needed due to leakage into the environment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comparable materials which are biodegradable do not have the stability needed to protect equipment under high temperature conditions. Others which have the necessary stability are not biodegradable. For example, the results in FIG. 1 compare the stability of various formulated hydraulic fluids based on HPDSC results at 200.degree. C. versus a formulated hydraulic fluid formed using the biodegradable base stock of the present invention. As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the hydraulic fluid formed using the biodegradable base stock of the present invention exhibits a stability of approximately 73 minutes, whereas the next best formulation only exhibited an oxidative stability of 15 minutes. The various comparative hydraulic fluid products set forth in FIG. 1 are set forth below:

FIG. 2 is a comparison of the stability (as measured by HPDSC) and biodegradability (as measured by RBOT) of various commercial natural and synthetic base stocks versus the neo polyol esters of the present invention. FIG. 2 demonstrates that the biodegradable base stock of the present invention is far superior to any other base stocks in terms of both biodegradability and oxidative stability.

Low toxicity base stocks were prepared by reacting one mole of technical grade pentaerythritol with 1.05-3.15 mols mixed linear C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 acids (e.g., C810 acids) and 1.05-3.15 mols iso C.sub.8 acid (e.g., Cekanoic 8 acids). The esters formed from this reaction have very low toxicity to both mammals and aquatic life. Because of their excellent lubricity, stability, low temperature properties, and biodegradability, these esters are ideal as base stocks for lubricants used in environmentally sensitive areas such as wild life preserves. Because of the base stocks physical properties, lubricants formulated with these esters require less additives which further reduces the toxicity of the lubricant.

The below study was performed to determined the acute toxicity of a polyol ester base stock prepared by reacting pentaerythritol with n-C8/n-C10 (C8 10) and iso-C8 (Cekanoic 8) acids, to the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, in a semi-static system for a 96 hours period.

Methods development data suggest that 5.0 mg/L is the maximum achievable water soluble concentration of the ester base stock of the present invention using ethanol as a vehicle, at a concentration of 50 mg test material/mL of ethanol. The test material formed a sheen on the surface of an aqueous solution at concentrations beyond 5 mg/L. This suggested that the test material was coming out of solution and the maximum water soluble concentration of the ester base stock with the carrier had been surpassed.

The nominal treatment levels for this test were 5.0 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 1.25 mg/L, 0.625 mg/L and 0.312 mg/L. The measured values of these treatment levels were 4.11 mg/L, 2.15 mg/L, 1.30 mg/L, 0.85 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L. The vehicle was tested as a control at a concentration of 0.1 mL/L. A laboratory dilution water control (BW1) was also tested. A stock solution (50 mg of the ester base stock of the present invention per milliliter of ethanol) was prepared by adding 1.5 grams of the ester base stock to 30 mL of ethanol. Treatment solutions were prepared by adding the appropriate amount of the stock solution to laboratory dilution water. The Water Accommodated Fraction (WAF) of each treatment was divided into two replicate chambers. New treatment and control solutions were prepared daily for renewals using the stock solution prepared on Day 0. Samples were removed from each treatment and the controls on Day 0 ("new" solutions) and on Day 1 and Day 3 ("old" solutions) for analysis by gas chromatography.

No mortality occurred during the 96 hour period in any treatment level, thus the LC50 is greater than 4.11 mg,/L (measured value), the highest concentration that could be prepared and tested under the test guidelines. The maximum loading concentration causing no mortality was 5.0 mg/L, the highest concentration tested. There was no minimum loading concentration causing 100% mortality.

This study was performed to determine the acute toxicity of a polyol ester base stock in daphnia, Daphnia magna, in a static system for a 48 hour period using OECD guideline 202. The polyol ester base stock according to the present invention was prepared by reacting technical grade pentaerythritol with Cekanoic 8 and C810 fatty acids.

The EL.sub.50 (Effect Loading 50) is the calculated treatment level which results in 50% immobilization in a population during a specified exposure period. The 48 hour (EL.sub.50) value was greater than 1000 mg/L, the highest concentration tested, based on exposure to the water accommodated fractions (WAF) of the test substance. The results of the test are summarized in table 9 below.

The maximum (loading) concentration causing, no immobilization cannot be reported since 5% immobilization was observed in the lowest concentration (i.e., 62.5 mg/L). There were no concentrations causing 100% immobilization.

This study was performed to determine the acute toxicity of a polyol ester base stock in the alga, Selenastrum capricornutum, using OECD guideline 202. The polyol ester base stock according to the present invention was prepared by reacting technical grade pentaerythritol with Cekanoic 8 and C810 fatty acids.

Because of the low water solubility of polyol ester base stock of the present invention, water accommodated fractions (WAF) were prepared for five exposure landings. The nominal loading levels for the test were 1000 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 250 mg/L, and 62.5 mg/L of the polyol ester. Four replicate chambers were prepared per loading level and 72 and 96 hour endpoints were determined.

The calculated 72 hour and 96 hour NOEL (No Observed Effect Loading) values were 1000 mg/L, the highest concentration tested, and 62.5 mg/L, respectively. This is based on: 1) the area under the growth curve and 2) the average specific growth rate. The 72 and 96 hour EL.sub.50 (Effect Loading 50) values for these two endpoints could not be calculated due to the lack of a statistically significant effect as measured by a reduction in the area under the growth curve or the average specific growth rate as shown in Table 10 below.

This study was performed to determine the acute toxicity of a polyol ester base stock in Photobacterium phosphoreum using Microtox.RTM. bioassay. The polyol ester base stock according to the present invention was prepared by reacting technical grade pentaerythritol with Cekanoic 8 and C810 fatty acids.

Because of the low water solubility of polyol ester base stock of the present invention, water accommodated fractions (WAF) were prepared for five exposure loadings. The nominal loading levels for the test were 1000 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 250 mg/L, and 125 mg/L of the polyol ester. Light readings were measured at 5 and 15 minute intervals. A second trial was performed to verify results of the first trial.

The Effect Loading (EL.sub.50) is the polyol ester loading level at which half of the light (of a standard glowing reagent) is lost as a result of toxicity. The 5 and 15 minute EL.sub.50 values for both trials was greater than 1000 mg/L, the highest concentration tested, based on exposure to the WAF of the polyol ester. The results of these set forth below in Table 11.

Where many esters are known to attack seals, esters prepared according to the present invention demonstrated substantially reduced seal swelling as compared to other ester base stocks.

A sample of an ester base stock was prepared in accordance with the present invention 220 lbs. (99.8 kg) of a C810 acid and 205 lbs. (93 kg) of Cekanoic 8 acid (a 50:50 molar ratio) were loaded into a reactor vessel and heated to 430.degree. F. (221.degree. C.) at atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, 75 lbs. (34 kg) of technical grade pentaerythritol were added to the acid mixture and the pressure was dropped until water began evolving. The water was taken overhead to drive the reaction. After about 6 hours of reaction time, the excess acids were removed overhead until a total acid number of 0.26 mgKOH/g was reached for the reaction product. The product was then neutralized and decolored for two hours at 90.degree. C. with twice the stoichiometric amount of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (based on acid number) and 0.15 wt. % admix (based on amount in the reactor). The admix is a blend of 80 wt. % carbon black and 20 wt. % dicalite. After two hours at 90.degree. C., the product was vacuum filtered to remove solids.

As shown in FIG. 3, attached hereto, an ester base stock formed in accordance with the present invention has been shown to be relatively neutral to seals versus other ester base stocks, such as a pentaerythritol/n-C.sub.7 ester (PE/nC.sub.7), a TMP/7810 ester, an isononal alcohol/Cekanoic 8 ester (INA/Ck8), diisodecyl adipate ester (DIDA) and ditridecyl adipate ester (DTDA). This is particularly important in formulations requiring esters for the solubility of additives. In addition, these esters can be used as base stocks where seal swell is critical to the performance of the equipment. Because the esters do not attack the seals, the life of the seals should be increased.

The biodegradable synthetic esters base stocks of the present invention require use of a very specific ratio of branched C.sub.8 to linear C.sub.810 such at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test can be obtained as shown in Table 12 below: