Pohjaöljyiksi

Pohjaöljyiksi, meaning "base oils" in Finnish, refers to the fundamental components of lubricants. These oils are the primary constituents of lubricating oils and greases, forming the base onto which additives are incorporated to enhance performance characteristics. The quality and type of base oil significantly influence the final lubricant's properties, including viscosity, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and low-temperature flow.

Base oils are broadly categorized into several groups based on their chemical composition and refining process. Group I base oils are mineral oils produced through solvent refining. Group II and Group III base oils are also mineral oils but undergo more severe refining processes like hydrocracking and hydroisomerization, resulting in higher purity, better thermal stability, and improved viscosity index. Group IV base oils are synthetic hydrocarbons, primarily polyalphaolefins (PAOs), offering superior performance across a wide temperature range and excellent oxidative stability. Group V encompasses all other base oils not belonging to the first four groups, including esters, silicones, and vegetable oils, each with unique properties suited for specific applications.

The selection of a pohjaöljy depends on the intended application, operating conditions, and desired performance. For instance, high-temperature or high-pressure applications often require synthetic base oils due to their superior thermal and oxidative stability. Conversely, less demanding applications might utilize mineral-based oils as a more cost-effective solution. The growing demand for energy efficiency and extended drain intervals in machinery continues to drive research and development in advanced base oil technologies.