| abstract |
A method for improving wear control, while maintaining or improving energy efficiency, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil includes at least one lubricating oil base stock having one or more liquid crystals represented by the formula: R1 - (A)m - Y - (B)n - R2 wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are a substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon, alkoxy or alkylthio group having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; A and B are the same or different and are a cycloaliphatic group or aromatic group, provided at least one of A and B is an aromatic group; Y is a covalent bond, -CH2-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, -OCOO-, -CO-, -CSO-, -CSS-, -CS-, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -CH2O-, -OCH2O-, -NO-, -ONO2, or -C≡N; and m and n are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3. The lubricating oil base stock has a kinematic viscosity of 2 cSt to 200 cSt at 40°C, and 1 cSt to 25 cSt at 100°C. Also, this disclosure relates to low traction/energy efficient liquid crystal base stocks containing liquid crystals. |