Metallocene Polyalphaolefin (mPAO) Synthetic Base Stock

Demand continues to grow for lubricants that offer greater energy efficiency, longer drain intervals, better performance in a wider temperature range and increased durability even under severe conditions. To meet these demands, formulators turn to SpectraSyn Elite™ metallocene polyalphaolefin (mPAO) synthetic base stocks.

Available in 65, 150 and 300 cSt at 100°C, SpectraSyn Elite mPAO is created using our proprietary metallocene catalyst technology. Particularly well-suited for industrial oils requiring high stability under severe operating conditions, SpectraSyn Elite mPAO can be used with lower-viscosity fluids to create a wide range of industrial and automotive lubricants and greases.

SpectraSyn Elite mPAO advanced synthetic base oil is designed to provide better blending efficiency and performance capabilities than conventional polyalphaolefin (cPAO). More than 30% of the high-viscosity synthetic base stock market has already switched from cPAO to mPAO.

Film thickness

In comparison tests with PAO and EPC (ethylene propylene copolymer) neat base stocks, SpectraSyn Elite 300 demonstrates enhanced film thickness. The chart shows test method EHD film thickness, 20N load rolling @ 80°C.

Shear stability

Using test method CEC L-45-A-99 to measure shear loss, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks with other high-viscosity neat base stocks, including SpectraSyn Ultra PAO, ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC) and polymethacrylate PAO (PMA-PAO). The chart shows that SpectraSyn Elite 300 provides good shear stability, which helps enhance drain intervals and lubricant life. 

Pour point

In ASTM D5950, the standard test method for pour point, SpectraSyn Elite 300 provides lower pour point compared to SpectraSyn Ultra PAO and ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC) base stocks. This result suggests better performance at low temperatures.

Low-temperature fluidity

To assess low-temperature fluidity, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks to other high-viscosity base stocks in an ISO VG 320 industrial gear oil. Using ASTM D2983, we measured Brookfield viscosity at -40°C. SpectraSyn Elite 300 demonstrated excellent low-temperature fluidity compared to ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC), polymethacrylate PAO (PMA-PAO) and polyisobutylene (PIB) base stocks

Shear stability

The shear stability of SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks translate into finished formulations. ExxonMobil demonstrated this capability by using test method CEC L-45-A-99 to assess an SAE90 automotive gear oil. Compared to four high-viscosity base stocks tested, SpectraSyn Elite 300 showed excellent shear stability in formulated oils.

Water washout protection

Using test method ASTM D12, we measured grease water washout at 79°C, we compared SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stock with polyisobutylene (PIB) base stocks at 100 and 300 cSt grades. In ISO VG 100 and 460 NLGI #2 lithium-complex greases, SpectraSyn Elite 300 base stocks demonstrated less weight loss – significantly less in the US VG 100 grease test – than the PIB base stocks.

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