abstract |
A biodegradable lubricant which is prepared from: about 60-99 % by weight of at least one biodegradable synthetic ester base stock which comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH)n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and at least one branched oxo acid having a carbon number in the range between about C5 to C10, provided that said branched oxo acid does not include 2-ethylhexanoic acid; wherein the ester base stock exhibits the following properties: at least 60 % biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25 °C; and a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25 °C, about 1 to 20 % by weight lubricant additive package; and about 0 to 20 % of a solvent. |