Lubricants

Indopol polybutenes are inherently good lubricants and have physical properties that make them highly suitable for a large variety of lubricant applications. The extensive range of Indopol grades, with viscosities from solvent-like to semi solid at room temperature, gives the formulator considerable scope to devise and optimize lubricant formulations.

Indopol polybutenes exhibit very low deposit formation, because unlike conventional lubricants, they depolymerize cleanly when heated above about 200°C. They also exhibit low toxicity, good thickening power and high shear stability. Important applications include non staining metal working lubricants, specialty compressor lubricants, and low toxicity/ energy efficient gear oils and greases.

Lubricants containing Indopol polybutene (or polybutene emulsions) are used in several applications where incidental food contact can result, such as the production of aluminium and steel foils and cans.

Two-stroke engine oils

Indopol polybutenes have been shown to be a cost effective way of achieving low smoke performance in two-stroke engines, as well as bringing other significant benefits including clean burning, reduced corrosion and scoring, and the elimination of engine deposits. Indopol polybutenes offer enhanced performance compared to most other polybutenes by virtue of their particular molecular structure. Consequently manufacturers of two-stroke engines are increasingly specifying formulations containing Indopol polybutene, especially as concern about air pollution continues to grow in countries with large motorcycle populations.

Oil and fuel additives

In engine oils, chemical derivatives of Indopol polybutenes are widely used as dispersants to control deposits and prevent oil thickening and sludge formation. These dispersant additives can improve fuel economy and can have environmental benefits associated with longer oil drain intervals.

Polybutene-based fuel additives are widely used in gasoline engines to reduce deposit formation and to remove deposits already present in carburetors, fuel injectors and intake system, and on valves and pistons. They are also used in diesel fuel to help clean fuel injectors, again leading to fuel economy.

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