Estolide compositions exhibiting superior high-performance properties

A composition comprising:

• (i) about 30% to about 40% by weight of an estolide base oil having a kinematic viscosity from about 5 to about 10 cSt at 100° C., said estolide base oil comprising at least one estolide compound selected from compounds of Formula I:
• wherein
• x is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected from 7 and 8;
• y is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected from 7 and 8;
• n is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;
• R1 is an optionally substituted C1 to C22 alkyl that is saturated and unbranched;
• and
• R2 is an optionally substituted C1 to C22 alkyl that is saturated and branched,
• wherein each fatty acid chain residue is unsubstituted;
• (ii) about 40% to about 55% by weight of at least one synthetic hydrocarbon oil or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon oil;
• (iii) about 5% to about 15% of at least one calcium sulfonate detergent inhibitor;
• (iv) at least one antioxidant;
• and
• (v) at least 1% by weight of at least one styrene-type viscosity modifier,
• wherein the composition exhibits a wear rating of 60 μm or less, and a viscosity increase of 150% or less at 40° C., when tested according to ASTM Method 7320,
• wherein the estolide base oil has an iodine value of less than 10 cg/g,
• and wherein the composition has a bio-based content of at least 25% by weight when tested according to ASTM Method D6866.