Hundreds of lubricant additives are available industry-wide to improve base stock properties and protect metal surfaces; however, the wrong combination of these commodities can result in substandard performance. Surface Activity of Petroleum Derived Lubricants explains how surface activity is affected by several factors: the interfacial properties of lube oil base stocks at oil/surface interfaces, lubricant solvency properties, additive interactions, and variations in temperature. The book provides an understanding of these factors that will influence proper selection of base stocks and additives necessary for resisting foaming and air entrainment, inhibiting rust and corrosion, preventing wear, and controlling emulsification and demulsification.

Using 300 tables to provide experimental data from books, journals, and the patent literature, this practical and comprehensive reference examines:

• the refining of lube oil base stocks
• the chemistry of additives
• the formulation technology of lubricants
• the performance of the most important finished products such as turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, and engine oils

Insight into these variables enables petroleum chemists and engineers to choose the right lubricant base stock and additive combination. By becoming aware of these important elements, those in industry are better able to make the right choices, leading to reduced costs, improved performance, and better management of production timelines.