ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the manufacturing process, the physical and chemical properties, and the performance of polyinternalolefin (PIO) in semi- or fully synthetic multigrade engine oils and synthetic industrial oils. PIOs were evaluated in comparison to polyalphaolefins because the latter are the best-known and most widely used hydrocarbon-type synthetic base stocks. Engine oil formulation is the main field in which PIOs can find their preferred field of application. The PIO evaluation program was implemented with a fully synthetic formulation obtained replacing 30% of PAO with PIO. PIOs have been extensively tested in both fully and partially synthetic formulations. This assessment has shown that PIOs can be formulated into top performance lubricants. Sasol discontinued production and commercial activity for PIOs in 2008. The decision to cease PIO production was part of a broad plan to rationalize several plants and product lines in Italy.
