BASF's Innovative
Energy Efficiency Booster (EEB) Technology

Although the overall lubricant market is expected to remain flat, synthetic lubricants experience strong growth due to increasing performance and sustainability requirements. CO2 reduction targets are driving the industry towards higher energy and fuel efficiency. Lubricants are recognized as potential contributors for improved energy efficiency. Therefore, lubricant components and potentially new chemistries are carefully selected to address this market need.

Polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) are known for outstanding properties like low friction coefficients, cleanliness, antiwear properties and long drain intervals. Additionally, PAGs offer high viscosity indices, typically above 200, which can provide improved fuel economy and energy efficiency as well as more robust oil films for better wear protection. However, PAGs show no or only limited compatibility with mineral oils and PAOs.

To fill the gap between compatibility and performance, BASF developed a novel base stock with unique polyether-based hybrid structure. Parts of the molecular structure contribute to outstanding frictional behavior, exceeding PAO performance, while other parts help to achieve compatibility with hydrocarbon oils. The new technology can be used in various industrial and automotive applications, including gear oils, axle fluids, compressor lubricants and greases.