315

11

Polymethacrylate Viscosity

Modifi ers and Pour

Point Depressants

Bernard G. Kinker

CONTENTS

11.1 Historical Development....................................................................................................... 315
11.1.1 First Synthesis ........................................................................................................ 315
11.1.2 First Application .................................................................................................... 31 6
11.1.3 First Manufacture and Large-Scale Application ................................................... 316
11.1.4 Development of Other Applications ...................................................................... 317
11.2 Chemistry ............................................................................................................................ 317
11.2.1 General Product Structure ..................................................................................... 317
11.2.2 Monomer Chemistry .............................................................................................. 318
11.2.3 Traditional Polymer Chemistry ............................................................................. 319
11.2.4 Patent Review ......................................................................................................... 321
11.3 Properties and Performance Characteristics ....................................................................... 323
11.3.1 Chemical Properties............................................................................................... 323
11.3.1.1 Hydrolysis ............................................................................................... 323
11.3.1.2 Thermal Reactions: Unzipping and Ester Pyrolysis ............................... 323
11.3.1.3 Oxidative Scissioning ............................................................................. 324
11.3.1.4 Mechanical Shearing and Free Radical Generation ............................... 325
11.3.2 Physical Properties ................................................................................................. 325
11.3.2.1 Pour Point Depressants ........................................................................... 325
11.3.2.2 Viscosity Index Improvers ...................................................................... 327
11.4 Manufacturers, Marketers, and Economics ........................................................................ 332
11.4.1 Manufacturers and Marketers ................................................................................ 332
11.4.2 Economics and Cost-Effectiveness ........................................................................ 333
11.4.3 Other Incentives ..................................................................................................... 33 4
11.5 Outlook and Trends ............................................................................................................. 334
11.5.1 Current and Near-Term Outlook ............................................................................ 334
11.5.2 Long-Term Outlook ................................................................................................ 335
References ...................................................................................................................................... 336

11.1 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

11.1.1 FIRST SYNTHESIS

The fi rst synthesis of a polymethacrylate (PMA) intended for potential use in the fi eld of lubricant
additives took place in the mid-1930s. The original work was conducted under the supervision of
Herman Bruson, who was in the employ of the Rohm and Haas Company (a parent of RohMax), and