Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of <i>N,N</i>‐Dimethylacrylamide–alkyl acrylate copolymers as novel multifunctional additives for lube oil

Abstract

Abstract Three copolymeric and two homopolymeric additives were synthesized utilizing the C18 alkyl acrylate (C18Ac) and N,N ‐dimethylacrylamide ( DMAA ) monomers. Three additives named as additive 1 , additive 2, and additive 3 were synthesized by varying the ratio between C18Ac: DMAA as 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 respectively by free radical polymerization using AIBN (azobis(isobutyronitrile)) as initiator, whereas additive 4 and additive 5 were the homopolymers of C18Ac and DMAA , respectively. All the synthesized polymers were characterized by FT ‐ IR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and GPC (gel permeation chromatography) analysis. Performance evaluation of the copolymers as viscosity index improver ( VII ), pour point depressant ( PPD ), antiwear, antifriction, and anticorrosion additives in polyol base oil was done by standard methods. As far as the VII , anti‐wear, antifriction, and anticorrosive properties are concerned, additive 2 revealed best performance; however, none of the above synthesized additives was found to be suitable for PPD activity.