Synthesis, Characterization, Rheological Behavior and Light Scattering Index of Methacrylate Copolymers

In the present study, a series of methacrylate-based homo- and co-polymers were synthesized and their efficiency as viscosity index improvers, rheological behavior, and light scattering index were investigated. The influence of the molecular weight of the synthesized homopolymers on the viscosity index was also studied. The successful synthesis of the prepared samples was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained from the viscosity index analysis revealed that the increase in the molecular weight of the synthesized samples led to an improvement in the viscosity index of the modified lube oil. Moreover, the presence of butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate enhances the molecular weight and improves the viscosity index. A maximum viscosity index of 139.1 was observed for the copolymer ODMA50-BMA50. The rheological behavior demonstrated the pseudo-plastic behavior of the modified lube oil in the presence of polymeric additives. Dynamic light scattering data showed an increase in size based on intensity, volume, and number with increasing percentages of MMA and BMA in the copolymer. The maximum size, based on intensity, volume, and number, was observed for ODMA50-BMA50.