SYNTHETIC AVIATION LUBRICANTS Available to Purchase

THE EARLY development of the aviation gas turbine was carried out using relatively conventional mineral oil lubricants. With further development of this engine, it became clear that mineral oils were unable to satisfy the demands placed upon the lubricant by the extremes of temperature met with in aviation gas turbine operation. Oxidative instability at high temperature and inadequate viscosity index were two of the prime considerations that triggered off the search for alternative fluids. This search soon revealed that the physical characteristics of a group of chemicals known as diesters offered the best available combinations of properties for use as jet engine lubricants.