Synthesis of poly (alkyl Acrylate)-grafted polymers as viscosity modifier for base oil in agriculture

¹ Department of physics, College of science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
² South Refineries Company (SRC), Ministry of oil, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: Mustafa.najm@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq

Abstract

Based on Polyacrylates, two different kinds of polymers and one copolymer, possible to use in intelligent agricultural supplies, were made and tested as lube oil viscosity index enhancers. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, all polymers demonstrated appropriate solubility in the base oil (SAE 30). The produced polymers underwent NMR analysis, which allowed for the diagnosis of the majority of the bonds in polymers. The majority of the addition ratios were at the relevant limit, according to the pour point inspection, and the density values were measured at the majority of the addition ratios. The produced copolymers’ molecular weight was ascertained using the Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) technique. As lube oil viscosity index improvers, various concentrations of each polymer and copolymer (1%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3% by weight) were synthesized and assessed. All of the produced compounds have been proven to be successful in improving the viscosity index for lubricant oil; their effectiveness increases with an increase in either the alkyl chain length (C18–C20) or the copolymer’s molecular weight (19012–48215). With the exception of C18 Ac polymer (1%–2%), effectiveness could be raised by increasing the concentration of the additives in the base oil (1%–2.5%).