Synthetic Esters fall into API category Group V fluids. These esters are synthesized through reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, and due to the chemical variety of such building blocks there are numerous synthetic esters commercial available on the market today. Because ester chemistry is so varied and esters can be linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, and mono-,di-, or polyfunctional, they also bring with them a wide range of characteristics.
Often esters are the preferred stock due to the properties they impart which benefit specific applications, especially in severe conditions which call for high performance lubricants. For example, esters have been used in jet engine lubricants for over 50 years due to their combination of low temperature flowablity and good high temperature performance. When compared to mineral oils, synthetic esters and especially diesters offer the advantage of higher viscosity indexes, low pour points, high flash points, low temperature fluidity, low volatility, high thermal stability and oxidation resistance, as well as excellent overall lubricity characteristics.
In addition to the properties synthetic esters hold, many esters can be developed from plant feedstocks making them a more sustainable and often biodegradable choice. Their oxidation stability, thermal stability, viscosity index, and high-temperature lubricity is also said to be better than conventional mineral oils and vegetable oils. Other such synthetic esters, like the castor- derived Dioctyl Sebacate, are prime choices for cold temperature operations due to their low pour points and viscosity indexes over 200.
ChemCeed offers a broad portfolio of synthetic esters which are sure to meet the application-specific needs of your formulation. Please see the table below of our specialty esters for the lubricant industry: