Additives for hydraulic fluids

Esters for use in hydraulic fluids

Esters are predominantly used as base fluids in the formulation of environmentally acceptable hydraulic lubricants due to their biodegradability and low aquatic toxicity. They can be considered to fall into one of three categories:

• Natural oils and fats
• Petrochemical esters
• Synthetic oleochemical esters.

Synthetic esters derived from oleochemical raw materials are the most versatile of the three categories of esters and generally result from the reaction of a petrochemical alcohol with one or more oleochemical derived fatty acids. They typically have a renewability content of between 70% and 95%. Oleochemical based esters offer a very broad technology platform and enable the design  of biodegradable chemistries with viscosities ranging from approximately 10cSt up to 1000cSt at 40ºC. Importantly, synthetic esters are not classified as dangerous for the environment, nor are they classified as harmful to aquatic organisms.

We have a large range of ingredients available for use in hydraulic fluid formulations under the Crodamol™ and Priolube™ brand names. The range comprises unsaturated, fully saturated and complex esters which all give rise to differing viscosities and properties such as oxidation stability. There is a solution for all types of formulation. 

Applications

Explore our speciality ester base fluid additives, made from sustainable, renewable raw materials, for hydraulic fluid applications in environmentally sensitive areas below.