Heavy alkyl benzene (HAB) is a byproduct generated during the production of linear alkyl benzene (LAB). HAB has various industrial applications, including use as a heat transfer oil, lubricating grease, and potential additive for gasoline, diesel, and hydraulic fluids.
To meet performance standards like 5W30, 5W40, 10W40, and 15W40, engine oil formulators have incorporated HAB as a minor component, blending it with varying amounts of solvent neutral oils (SN-100, SN-150, SN-650) as the major component. Testing indicates these formulated oils can achieve the desired specifications.
Similarly, blends of HAB as the major component and polyisobutene (PIB) as the minor component have been successfully used to formulate ISO grade hydraulic fluids with suitable air release and demulsibility properties.
Beyond engine and hydraulic fluids, HAB has a wide range of industrial applications, such as: thermal fluids, refrigerating oils, textile auxiliaries, lubricants, insulating oil, anti-corrosion additives, and octane number improvers. It is also used to produce lubricating oil additives and as an industry-grade chemical lubricant.
