Fatty-acid based comb copolyesters as viscosity Index improvers in lubricants

Methyl ricinoleate was functionalized using thiol-ene click chemistry in order to synthesize bio-based comb (co)poly(9-alkyl 12-hydroxystearate)s. The latter were then evaluated as Viscosity Index Improvers a mineral based lubricant. While most of the poly(9-alkyl 12-hydroxystearate)s investigated behave thickeners, copolyesters containing 15 25 wt% methyl 9-phenyl ethyl 12-hydroxystearate exhibit improver effect, interpreted limited solubility these copolyesters. effect polyesters on oil viscosity-temperature (V-T) behavior dilute regime n-dodecane used model solvent. An aggregation-disaggregation assumed explain V-T observed with (co)polyesters.