Composition and oxidation stability of SAE 15W-40 engine oils

The modified IP 48 procedure was used for testing the oxidation stability of engine oils for ignition engines of the SAE 15W-40 and minimum API SG/CD specifications. Eight engine oils, such as Agip, BP, Esso, Mogul, OMV, Petro-Canada, Shell, and Total, were collected and oxidised. Oils were also fractionated by using chromatographic methods, and group composition of base oils, amount of VI improvers and other additives were determined. Several differences in the oxidation stability were found between the collected oils. Viscosity characteristics, carbon residue, acid number, amount of pentane insolubles and mass losses during the test were chosen as parameters for evaluation of the oxidation stability of the oils. The most stable engine oil was blended from a hydrocracked base oil whereas most of the other oils were based on the solvent refined oils. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.