Synthetic Vs. Mineral Oil

Every morning you get out of the house and start your car. Almost all the cars (except the vintage ones and the ones that are modified for use in racing) have a very smooth, well engineered, well timed and accurate firing. The pistons of these cars not only keep them moving, but also add a sort of life and soul to the cars. But have your ever wondered what keeps the process and mechanism of the engine and pistons, so smooth and gentle? The answer is the excellent lubrication that is provided by automotive oils, that are present in the engines. These oils are basically of two types, synthetic oils and mineral oils. Both the types of oils are very efficient and keep the pistons well lubricated. However, both the oils have their own merits and demerits according to their characteristics and process of manufacture.

Synthetic Oil

To get to know more about the debate 'synthetic vs. mineral oil', we first need to know more about synthetic oil and mineral oil individually. The first thing that one should know about synthetic oil, is that it is an artificial chemical preparation. This oil was developed by two experts working on the same type of lubrication, in the 20th century. Dr. Hermann Zorn of the IG Farben, Germany and Dr. W.A. Zisman of the Naval Research Laboratory, United States of America, both developed the concept models of synthetic lubrication.

So now, if you ask about synthetic oil lubrication, here is the answer. Synthetic oil is basically an artificially prepared oil, that is made from a perfected process and uses highly developed and sophisticated formulae. For the people who understand chemistry, the primary synthetic oils that first appeared in USA, were polyolefin based lubrication oils. Till date, the maximum brands of synthetic oil that have been manufactured, are polyolefin based. Parallel to the brands that are based on polyolefin, many manufacturers have also come up with synthetic oil lubricants that are based on polyesters, polyglycols, non-PAO synthetics, esters, alkylated naphthalene and alkylated benzene. The mechanical and chemical engineers of these oil manufacturers, constantly strive to make better and better formulae, in order to provide an excelling lubrication that would make the car engine sing.

Mineral Oil

Now that we have summarized the concept of synthetic oil, let us have a look at mineral oil. Mineral oil is basically a by-product or variant of petroleum. Mineral oil is derived after the process of fractional distillation takes place and petroleum is split into different parts. Thus, mineral oil that is used as a lubrication, has a natural origin and is made up of alkaline and cyclic paraffin. Mineral oil is produced in huge quantities after fractional distillation. Before the innovation and commercial development of synthetic oil as a lubricant, mineral oil was predominantly used as a mechanical lubricant.

Synthetic Vs. Mineral Oil

The only basic difference between synthetic oil and mineral oil, apart from its manufacture and origin, is the molecular and particulate structure of both the lubricants. Synthetic oil being a perfected product, has a very even and uniform structuring of molecules and particulates. On the other hand, mineral oil contains uneven and less uniform molecules as compared to synthetic oil. Now, when the car, engine, piston and piston block is new, it is always advisable to use, mineral oil. The uneven molecular structure of mineral oil makes the uneven surfaces of the components and auto parts rub with each other and erode, thus making the surface even and smooth . This is very useful, as the young components of the engine get into shape and adapt to the mechanism. As the engine grows older, the components, get into shape and start running swiftly without any friction. This is where one should start using synthetic oil. This oil basically keeps the engine in shape and helps in increasing the durability of the engine.

There are several other advantages and disadvantages of synthetic oils as well as mineral oils. Going into the details is pretty difficult and also complex. The debate synthetic vs. mineral oil is almost as old as the time since they were found and is getting more and more complex day by day, due to the advancements that are being integrated in lubrication. The conclusion that which oil is better, hence still remains undecided.