Physical & Chemical Properties This page is a review of the physical and chemical properties of mineral oils that affect lubrication. A few properties may have both physical and chemical effects. Recognition of these properties is useful for designing lubrication systems, choosing lubricating oils, diagnosing lubrication, friction and wear problems, and selecting appropriate testing methods. The material is limited to industrial lubricating and hydraulic mineral oils and is written for people entering the field of Tribology. We would like to thank the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) for publishing this article. In each section the authors have: defined each property according to the Organization For Economic Co-operation and Development (Reference 1); stated how the property is measured by ASTM methods (Reference 2); described its application to industrial lubrication; and used SI units given in "Standard Practice For The Use Of The International System of Units - Modernized" (Reference 3). The information came from many unnamed authors. However, we specifically wish to acknowledge the authors cited in the references, from whom most of the information was obtained. The reader is referred to the references for further details. We also acknowledge obtaining specific lubricant properties from the bulletins of several lubricant suppliers. Table of Contents: • Viscosity • Units of Viscosity Measurements • Viscosity Index (VI) • VI Improvers • Viscosity Measurements • Viscosity Pressure Coefficient • Viscosity Shear Rates • Pour Point • Density • Specific Gravity • Thermal Expansion • Bulk Modulus or Compress ability GASES IN MINERAL OIL • Dissolved Gases • Entrained Gases • Foam • Vapor Pressure • Flash Point • Thermal Conductivity • Thermal Capacity/Heat Capacity and Specific Heat • Electrical Conductivity/ Dielectric Strength • Surface Tension Contaminants • Gaseous • Liquid • Solid Particulates • Semi-Solids Contaminants Which Affect Chemical Properties • Water • Corrosive Liquids • Base Oil Composition • Base Oil Lubricating Properties Additives to Improve the Chemical Properties of Oils • Oxidation Inhibitors • Rust Inhibitors • Dispersants and Detergents Additives to Improve Boundary Lubrication • Performance • Anti-friction • Saponification Number • Anti-wear • Anti-scuff • Oxygen • Sulfur Compounds • Phosphorous Compounds • Chlorine Compounds For more information call 1-888-HERGUTH (437-4884)

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