LAUSR

The article presents application of homo polymer of dodecyl methacrylate (DDMA) and its copolymers with vinyl acetate (VA) as multifunctional additives for lubricant formulation. Homo polymer of DDMA and five copolymers of DDMA with VA at different molar ratios were synthesized by free radical polymerization method using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The characterization of the polymers was carried out through FTIR, NMR and GPC (gel permeable chromatography) analysis. The performance of all the polymers as viscosity index improver (VII) or viscosity modifier and pour point depressant (PPD) additive in two different base oils (mineral) were evaluated. The mechanism of action of the polymers as pour point depressant was studied by photo micrographic analysis. Rheological study of the formulated lubricant was also carried out and reported. The thermal stability of the polymers was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that thermal stability, VI and molecular weights of copolymers are higher than the homopolymer which showed better PPD property.