Lubricant compositions containing hexene-based oligomers

#The present invention relates generally to processes for oligomerizing 1-hexene with a catalyst system containing a metallocene compound, a chemically-treated solid oxide, and an optional organoaluminum compound, to 1-hexene oligomers having specific viscosity index and pour point characteristics, and to base oil and lubricant compositions containing the 1-hexene oligomers.

#This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify required or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

#Hydrogenated oligomer compositions are disclosed and described herein. A hydrogenated oligomer composition in one embodiment of this invention can comprise at least 80 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 75 to 150 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 150 to 180, and a pour point in a range from −20 to −40° C. A hydrogenated oligomer composition in another embodiment of this invention can comprise at least 95 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 80 to 125 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 150 to 170, and a pour point in a range from −25 to −40° C. A hydrogenated oligomer composition in yet another embodiment of this invention can comprise at least 98 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 85 to 115 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 155 to 165, and a pour point in a range from −25 to −35° C.

#Oligomerizations of feedstocks containing 1-hexene using a metallocene-based catalyst system containing a chemically-treated solid oxide are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are 1-hexene oligomer compositions or hydrogenated 1-hexene oligomer compositions that can be blended with other PAO's to form 100 cSt and 40 cSt lubricant compositions, which have properties (e.g., viscosity index and pour point) that are equivalent to or better than respective 100 cSt and 40 cSt 1-decene PAO's.

#1-Hexene Oligomers

#An illustrative and non-limiting example of a hydrogenated oligomer composition consistent with the present invention can comprise at least 80 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 75 to 150 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 150 to 180, and a pour point in a range from −20 to −40° C. Another illustrative and non-limiting example of a hydrogenated oligomer composition consistent with the present invention can comprise at least 95 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 80 to 125 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 150 to 170, and a pour point in a range from −25 to −40° C. Yet another illustrative and non-limiting example of a hydrogenated oligomer composition consistent with the present invention can comprise at least 98 wt. % monomer units derived from 1-hexene, and can be characterized by a 100° C. kinematic viscosity in a range from 85 to 115 cSt, a viscosity index in a range from 155 to 165, and a pour point in a range from −25 to −35° C. These illustrative and non-limiting examples of hydrogenated oligomer compositions consistent with the present invention also can have any of the characteristics or properties of the hydrogenated oligomer compositions provided herein, and in any combination.