ABSTRACT
Dialkyl carbonates represent a class of functionalized synthetic fluids generally obtained by transesterification of dimethyl carbonate. Dialkyl carbonates have been used in various applications, both as lubricant base fluids and as performance fluid components, due to their physical and chemical properties and performance characteristics. The basic structure of the dialkyl carbonate molecule, the carbonic group, provides the polarity to the molecule. As a lubricant, this functional group is responsible for several important functions. Dialkyl carbonate also has good compatibility with hydrocarbon oils and ester oils. Elastomer compatibility, a critical performance feature and specification for synthetic base fluids, is generally satisfactory for dialkyl carbonates, even with respect to silicone elastomers, which are the most sensitive to the base fluid polarity. Dialkyl carbonates can be classified as nondangerous substances for humans and for the environment according to the relevant tests and experiments that have been carried out to assess this aspect.
