ABSTRACT
Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based lubricants have for many years seen use in a number of industrial applications including compressor lubrication, hydraulic fluids (aqueous [HF-C] and nonaqueous), metalworking fluids, and of course gearbox lubricants. Although it is widely accepted that PAG has all of the attributes required of a good lubricant, for example, high viscosity index, low pour point, good shear stability, good cleanliness, and if formulated correctly, good oxidation and corrosion resistance; PAG use has been restricted to (approximately) 10% of the total industrial lubricant market. Although some valid reasoning can be attributed to this (perceived price penalty, incompatibility with other common lubricants, etc.) it could be argued that the traditional thinking of some within the
industry and the resulting “stigma” or reputation assigned to these products has made widespread market introduction challenging and hence was detrimental to their total market share to date. PAGs, if understood, can provide the end user or formulator with several degrees of freedom to solve lubrication problems.
