Friction and wear reduction using liquid crystal base stocks

A method for improving friction and wear control, while maintaining or improving energy efficiency, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil, said formulated oil having a composition comprising at least one lubricating oil base stock;

• wherein the at least one lubricating oil base stock comprises one or more liquid crystals, wherein the one or more liquid crystals are represented by the formula:
• A—(R1)n
• wherein A is a mono-ring or a multi-ring aromatic group, R1 is the same or different and is a substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon, alkoxy, or alkylthio group having from about 2 to about 24 carbon atoms, and n is a value from about 1 to about 12;
• and wherein the lubricating oil base stock has a kinematic viscosity of about 2 cSt to about 200 cSt at 40° C., as determined according to ASTM D445, and a kinematic viscosity of about 1 cSt to about 25 cSt at 100° C., as determined according to ASTM D445;
• and wherein friction and wear control are improved and energy efficiency is maintained or improved as compared to friction control, wear control and energy efficiency achieved using a lubricating oil containing a lubricating oil base stock other than the lubricating oil base stock comprising one or more liquid crystals.

A method for improving and maintaining friction and wear control in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, said method comprising:

• (i) providing an engine or other mechanical component having mated metal surfaces;
• (ii) conducting a run-in by contacting the mated metal surfaces with a first lubricating oil having a composition comprising at least one lubricating oil base stock;
• wherein the at least one lubricating oil base stock comprises one or more liquid crystals, wherein the one or more liquid crystals are represented by the formula:
• A—(R1)n
• wherein A is a mono-ring or a multi-ring aromatic group, R1 is the same or different and is a substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon group, alkoxy, or alkylthio having from about 2 to about 24 carbon atoms, and n is a value from about 1 to about 12;
• and wherein the lubricating oil base stock has a kinematic viscosity of about 2 cSt to about 200 cSt at 40° C., as determined according to ASTM D445, and a kinematic viscosity of about 1 cSt to about 25 cSt at 100° C., as determined according to ASTM D445;
• wherein friction and wear control are improved as compared to friction control and wear control achieved using a lubricating oil containing a lubricating oil base stock other than the lubricating oil base stock comprising one or more liquid crystals;
• (iii) removing the first lubricating oil from the engine or other mechanical component after the run-in;
• and
• (iv) contacting the mated metal surfaces with a second lubricating oil containing a lubricating oil base stock other than the lubricating oil base stock comprising one or more liquid crystals;
• wherein the improved friction control and wear control from conducting the run-in are maintained.