In the world of industrial lubrication, not all oils are created equal. Polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) represent a significant evolution compared to conventional lubricants. Their advanced synthetic composition, based on specific combinations of ethylene, propylene, and butylene oxides, gives them exceptional tribological and thermal properties, making them the ideal choice for demanding processes.
Characteristics That Make a Difference
- Superior thermal stability: They resist oxidation even at high temperatures, reducing deposit formation and extending the lubricant’s lifespan.
- High viscosity index: They ensure consistent performance despite thermal variations, without loss of the lubricating film.
- Excellent low-temperature performance: With pour points down to −50 °C, they excel in extreme environments.
- Food-grade compatibility: Some PAGs are certified for industries where food safety is critical.
- Effective lubrication and friction reduction: They have excellent lubricating capacity, which significantly reduces friction between metal surfaces, increasing operational efficiency and prolonging the life of lubricated components.
Benefits of PAG Lubricants: Beyond Theory
When applied in real conditions, PAGs offer clear advantages:
- Greater energy efficiency: They reduce friction, thereby decreasing energy consumption.
- Less wear and micropitting: Thanks to a stable and durable lubricating film.
- Lower maintenance costs: Their stability extends lubricant change intervals.
- Biodegradable options: Suitable for industries sensitive to environmental impact.
Where Do They Excel in Practice?
PAGs perform exceptionally well in industrial sectors where other lubricants fail:
Industrial
gears
Vacuum
pump fluids
Metalworking fluids
(MWF)
Offshore and marine
lubricants
Food-grade
lubricants
Compressors
and refrigeration systems
Chain and guide
lubricants
Agriculture and forestry
lubricants
Heat transfer
fluids
Greases
Demanding
hydraulic systems
Wind turbine
lubricants
Mining
lubricants
Textile
lubricants
Dielectric
fluids
Key Considerations Before Use
While their benefits are clear, it’s important to consider:
- Material compatibility: Verify before using with sensitive elastomers or paints.
- Hygroscopicity: PAGs have a propensity to absorb moisture.
- Compatibility with other lubricants: Generally, they are not miscible with mineral oils; thorough flushing is essential before switching technologies.
Discover Lumar Química's PAGs
At Lumar Química, we offer four types of PAGs adapted to different formulation needs:
Discover all the details in our product table:
- Water-soluble: Perfect for metalworking fluids and applications where cleanliness is key. Their great advantage is the ease of use in lubricants where thermal control and cleanliness are essential, such as fire-resistant hydraulic fluids or industrial lubricants for processes requiring easy water cleanup.
- High molecular weight: For high viscosity and shear resistance applications. Their characteristics make them a particularly effective option as non-flammable hydraulic fluids and aqueous quenching fluids.
- Water-insoluble: Ideal for environments without moisture contact, such as gears or turbines.
- Oil-soluble: Compatible with conventional bases, perfect for hybrid formulations.
| Viscosity at 40°C | Key Characteristics | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble | 22 – 1000 cSt | Excellent lubricity and EP/AW High viscosity index (VI) Excellent thermal and oxidative stability High flash point Low pour point Low toxicity Non-stable foam formation Easy cleanup Non-corrosive to common metals | Synthetic and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids (MWF) Synthetic gear oils Lubricants for the textile industry Gas compressor lubricants Food-grade lubricants Heat transfer fluids |
| High molecular weight (Water soluble) | 2000 – 55000 cSt | Excellent thermal and oxidative stability High shear stability Low volatility | Non-flammable hydraulic fluids Aqueous quenching fluids Metalworking fluids (MWF) |
| Water-insoluble | 22 – 680 cSt | Excellent lubricity and AW High viscosity index (VI) Exceptional thermal and oxidative stability High flash point Low pour point No carbonaceous residue formation Non-stable foam formation Easy cleanup Non-corrosive to common metals | Compressor lubricants Turbine lubricants Lubricating greases Food-grade lubricants Hydraulic fluids Rubber release agents |
| Oil-soluble | 32, 46, 68, 100, 220, 460, 680 cSt | Excellent lubricity and AW High viscosity index (VI) Exceptional thermal and oxidative stability High flash points Very low aniline point Very good miscibility with mineral oils and PAOs Non-corrosive to common metals | Friction modifier additive Solubility enhancer additive 2T engine oils Food-grade lubricants |
Emerging Trends: The Future is Hybrid (and Sustainable)
The industry is moving towards more sustainable, efficient, and cleaner solutions. In this context, hybrid PAGs are gaining ground, combining the mechanical properties of classic PAGs with the biodegradability and renewable origin of polyol esters.
At Lumar Química, we are committed to this continuous innovation, collaborating with manufacturers and formulators to lead the change towards a more efficient and responsible future.
Ready to Reformulate the Future?
At Lumar Química, we don’t just supply products: we work with you to optimize your formulations, adapt your processes, and achieve the technical and environmental excellence the market demands.
Contact us and take the next step towards high-performance lubrication.
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