Homo- and Copolymers of Decyl Methacrylate as Performance Additives for Lube Oil

Homopolymer of decyl methacrylate and its copolymer with styrene at different concentrations using two types of initiators (benzoyl peroxide [BZP] and azobisisobutyronitrile [AIBN]) were synthesized. All the prepared polymers are characterized by FT-IR and NMR. The molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The performance of the prepared polymers in different base oils were evaluated as viscosity modifier, also known as viscosity index improver and pour point depressant. The molecular weight of homopolymer prepared by using BZP initiator is higher than homopolymer prepared by using AIBN initiator but molecular weight of copolymers prepared by BZP are lower than copolymers prepared by AIBN initiator. The theromogravimetric analysis value of the prepared polymers was determined by standard ASTM method and it is found that the thermal stability of copolymers decrease with increasing the styrene content.