Certain polymers when
added to wax containing lubricating oils in proportions of 0.1 to 5 per cent, will
alter the crystal
structure of the wax
and thus permit
movement of the oil at
a much lower temperature
than before the addition. Some agents
used for other
purposes, for example V.I.
improvers, may have a similar influence on
pour points.
Most industrial
gear oils do not require
this type of
additive but pour depressants are often
included in automotive gear
lubricants. The agents
normally used include
“Acryloids” which are
methacrylate polymers, and
“Paraflow” or “ Santopour” which
are wax condensation products with either naphthalene or phenol.
