Trends in Lubricants -Future Challenges

Aspects of the current trend in lubricants and future challenges are discussed. The discussion highlights key enviromnental issues regarding to resource conservation, toxicological consideration and environmental acceptability. Also highlighted are base stocks trends relative to hydroprocessed stocks (HVI, VHQ and XHQ), synthetic base stocks (PAO and organic esters) and biodegradable fluids (vegetable oils and special esters). Equipment severity and lubricant performance quality are briefly described.