A Review on Oil-Soluble Polyisobutylene-Based Dispersant for Colloidal Stabilization

Oil soluble polymeric-based dispersants have been extensively used in engine oil lubrication formulation due to their inherent properties, such as modifiable viscosity, compatibility, and effectiveness. However, the underlying mechanism of how the dispersant stabilizes soot particles in engine oil is still not fully understood, and discovering this mechanism is crucial for engine oil formulation technology. This review discusses the interactions between colloidal particles induced by two PIBSA-derived dispersants, namely PIBSI and PIBSAE. The effectiveness of these dispersants in stabilizing colloidal particles in oil systems depends on the chemical functional groups present on the main chain. The spectrum of colloidal interactions, ranging from Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek (DLVO) to non-DLVO theory, is predominantly influenced by the equilibrium between dispersant concentration and the overall system viscosity. This phenomenon can eventually reverse colloidal stabilization and result in more serious issues, such as engine wear and tear.