Baseöljyä

Baseöljyä, or base oil, is the fundamental component of lubricants. It forms the bulk of any lubricant formulation, typically comprising 70-99% of the total volume. The primary function of base oil is to reduce friction between moving parts, thereby preventing wear and heat generation. Its properties dictate the overall performance characteristics of the finished lubricant, including viscosity, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and solvency.

Base oils are broadly categorized into several groups based on their chemical composition and refining processes, as defined by organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API). Group I base oils are solvent-refined mineral oils. Group II and Group III oils are more highly refined mineral oils, offering improved performance compared to Group I. Group IV base oils are synthetic hydrocarbons, primarily polyalphaolefins (PAOs), known for their excellent thermal and oxidative stability. Group V encompasses all other base oils, including esters, silicones, and vegetable oils, which are used for specialized applications.

The selection of a base oil depends on the intended application, operating conditions, and desired performance. Factors such as temperature range, load, and environmental considerations influence the choice. For instance, high-temperature applications often require synthetic base oils due to their superior thermal stability. Similarly, environmentally sensitive areas may benefit from biodegradable vegetable-based oils. The base oil provides the foundational lubrication properties, upon which additives are incorporated to enhance specific performance aspects.