POLYALPHAOLEFIN (PAO)

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) is a synthetic hydrocarbon base oil designed for high-performance lubrication.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) provides excellent low-temperature flow, viscosity stability and low volatility.
Automotive, industrial and aerospace lubricants widely use Polyalphaolefin (PAO).

API Classification: Group IV base oil
General CAS: 68649-12-7 (PAO from 1-decene); 68037-01-4 (PAO, mixed alpha-olefins)
Viscosity Index (VI): 120–145
Pour Point: approximately −50°C to −60°C
Flash Point: >200°C (grade-dependent; significantly higher than mineral oil)
Continuous service temperature: up to ~160°C
Intermittent service temperature: up to ~270°C

Synonyms: PAO, Poly-alpha-olefin, Polyalphaolefin, Synthetic hydrocarbon base oil, SHC, API Group IV base oil, Polydecene (from 1-decene), Polydodecene (from 1-dodecene), Polyoctene (from 1-octene), Hydrogenated polydecene, APAO (amorphous polyalphaolefin, higher-MW grades), Synfluid (Chevron Phillips), SpectraSyn (ExxonMobil), Durasyn (Ineos), Nexbase (Neste), CAS 68649-12-7, CAS 68037-01-4

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) consists of highly uniform, branched hydrocarbon molecules.
The controlled molecular structure gives Polyalphaolefin (PAO) predictable physical and lubrication properties.

Manufacturers generally produce Polyalphaolefin (PAO) by oligomerizing linear alpha-olefins.
Hydrogenation improves the chemical stability and saturation level of Polyalphaolefin (PAO).

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) is available in numerous viscosity grades for different lubrication requirements.
Formulators select Polyalphaolefin (PAO) according to operating temperature, load and equipment design.

A high viscosity index allows Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to maintain consistent viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) remains fluid at lower temperatures than many conventional mineral base oils.

The low volatility of Polyalphaolefin (PAO) helps reduce lubricant evaporation at elevated temperatures.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can support longer lubricant life in demanding operating conditions.

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) provides strong resistance to oxidation when combined with suitable additives.
The thermal stability of Polyalphaolefin (PAO) supports reliable performance in high-temperature systems.

Engine oils use Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to improve cold starting and high-temperature protection.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can help reduce oil consumption and maintain engine cleanliness.

Gear lubricants use Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to provide stable films under heavy mechanical loads.
The low-temperature behavior of Polyalphaolefin (PAO) supports gear protection during cold operation.

Compressor lubricants employ Polyalphaolefin (PAO) for thermal stability and controlled volatility.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can reduce deposit formation in properly formulated compressor oils.

Hydraulic fluids may contain Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to provide reliable viscosity and low-temperature performance.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) supports smooth power transmission across changing operating temperatures.

Industrial greases use Polyalphaolefin (PAO) as a synthetic base fluid.
Greases formulated with Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can perform across broad temperature ranges.

Turbine and circulating oils can incorporate Polyalphaolefin (PAO) for long-term stability.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) supports dependable lubrication in continuously operating equipment.

Aerospace lubricants use Polyalphaolefin (PAO) where low-temperature fluidity and low volatility are essential.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can maintain lubrication performance under severe temperature variations.

Metalworking formulations may contain Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to improve lubricity and surface finish.
Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can reduce friction between tools and workpieces during machining.

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) offers good hydrolytic stability because its structure contains no ester groups.
Water exposure does not readily break down the hydrocarbon backbone of Polyalphaolefin (PAO).

Additives can improve the wear protection, oxidation resistance and corrosion control of Polyalphaolefin (PAO).
Compatibility testing helps formulators select suitable additives for Polyalphaolefin (PAO).

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) can be blended with mineral oils, esters and other synthetic base fluids.
Blending allows Polyalphaolefin (PAO) to provide a targeted balance of performance and cost.

Kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, pour point and flash point represent important quality parameters for Polyalphaolefin (PAO).
Analytical testing confirms the consistency and performance grade of Polyalphaolefin (PAO).

Uses of Polyalphaolefin:
Polyalphaolefin is used as the primary synthetic base oil in premium automotive engine oils — passenger car motor oils (PCMO), heavy-duty diesel engine oils (HDEO), and racing engine oils — where its high viscosity index (120–145) ensures minimal viscosity change between cold start (−40°C to −50°C) and hot operating conditions (>150°C), reducing wear at start-up and maintaining hydrodynamic film thickness at high temperatures; its low volatility (low Noack evaporation) reduces oil consumption and hydrocarbon tailpipe emissions; its excellent oxidative stability extends drain intervals significantly beyond conventional mineral oil intervals; compatibility with mineral oils allows PAO-mineral oil blends at any ratio.
Polyalphaolefin is used in automotive gear oils (axle fluids, differential fluids, manual gearbox fluids) and automatic transmission fluids where its thermal stability, low pour point, and high VI ensure consistent shifting performance and gear protection across the full vehicle operating temperature range; in high-temperature and multi-grade hydraulic fluids for industrial machinery, mobile equipment (construction machinery, mining equipment), and aircraft ground support equipment where stable viscosity and high flash point are required; and in turbine lubricants for gas and steam turbines.
Polyalphaolefin is used as the base fluid in wide-temperature-range industrial and automotive greases; as a bearing lubricant in high-speed, high-temperature, or extreme-cold applications such as electric motor bearings, steel mill roll neck bearings, and aerospace bearings; and as a compressor oil in rotary screw and vane compressors, refrigeration compressors, and natural gas compressors where high oxidative stability and low deposit formation are required (note: PAO is not recommended for high-temperature high-pressure reciprocating air compressors due to hard valve deposit formation).
Polyalphaolefin (CAS 68649-12-7, 0.1–1.0 µm aerosol) is used as the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter integrity test aerosol in pharmaceutical manufacturing cleanrooms, replacing dioctyl phthalate (DOP/DEHP) which was identified as a human carcinogen; PAO aerosol is generated by the aerosol generator, passed through the HEPA filter, and the filter integrity is verified by a downstream photometer (pass criterion: ≥99.97% removal of particles ≥0.3 µm); the Japan Air Cleaning Association (JACA) published the guideline for DOP replacement with PAO in 2001; PAO is FDA-acceptable for this application as it does not promote microbial growth.
Polyalphaolefin is used as a fibre-optic cable lubricant (cable pull lubricant) during installation and removal of fibre-optic bundles and cables; the purity, chemical stability, non-toxicity, and compatibility of PAO with fibre-optic jacket materials (HDPE, PVC, LSZH) make it ideal for protecting delicate fibre-optic bundles from mechanical damage during cable pulling operations in telecommunications infrastructure and data centre installations.
Polyalphaolefin is used as a non-toxic emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products — moisturisers, body lotions, hand creams, hair relaxers, antiperspirant/deodorant sticks, sunscreens, and colour cosmetics — where its non-toxic, non-irritating, odourless, and chemically inert character, combined with good spreading properties and skin feel, make it a high-performing alternative to silicones and mineral oils; food-grade NSF H1 approved PAO grades are used as lubricants in machinery that directly contacts food and beverage products in food processing and packaging operations.
Amorphous polyalphaolefin (APAO) — higher-molecular-weight homo- and copolymers of alpha-olefins (ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene) produced by Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysis — is used as the base polymer in hot-melt adhesives (HMA) for packaging (carton, case, and tray sealing), hygiene products (diaper and sanitary pad construction), woodworking and furniture (edge banding, profile wrapping), and textile bonding; APAO HMAs are combined with tackifying resins (hydrocarbon resins, rosin esters) and waxes to achieve the target open time, set speed, adhesion, and cohesion for each application.
Amorphous polyalphaolefin (APAO) is used as a bitumen modifier in asphalt for road construction, parking lots, roofing felt, and bituminous waterproofing membranes; PAO modification of bitumen increases asphalt flexibility and crack resistance at low temperatures, improving road surface durability and extending road life; PAO is also used in traffic markings and road paint binders; in military and defence applications, PAO is used as an electronics coolant in radar systems, sonar, and power electronics.

Benefits and Advantages of Polyalphaolefin:
The defining performance advantage of PAO over API Group I/II/III mineral base oils is the combination of a viscosity index of 120–145 (vs. ~90–100 for mineral oil), pour points of −50°C to −60°C (vs. −15°C to −30°C for typical mineral oil), and continuous service temperature capability of 160°C and intermittent capability of 270°C — a combination that is structurally impossible for mineral oil to achieve due to its inherent heterogeneous mixture of paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic hydrocarbons with wax content and temperature-sensitive impurities; PAO's engineered, homogeneous isoparaffinic structure enables this performance simultaneously.
PAO's extremely low Noack evaporation loss (significantly lower than equivalent-viscosity mineral oil) reduces oil consumption in automotive engines and industrial equipment, reducing the frequency and cost of oil replenishment and reducing hydrocarbon emissions to atmosphere; lower volatility also raises flash point and reduces fire hazard compared with mineral oil of equivalent viscosity grade, improving workplace safety in high-temperature industrial applications.
The absence of sulfur, nitrogen, aromatic compounds, and waxy hydrocarbons in PAO eliminates the primary degradation pathways (oxidative attack at aromatic rings, nitrogen-catalysed oxidation, wax crystallisation) that limit the service life of mineral oil; this structural purity enables drain intervals three to five times longer than equivalent-viscosity mineral oil in automotive engine oils and ten or more times longer in industrial gear and hydraulic oil applications, reducing waste oil generation, disposal cost, and equipment maintenance downtime.
PAO's non-toxicity, chemical inertness, absence of carcinogenic PAH (unlike untreated or used mineral oils), and compatibility with food-contact surfaces enable its use in food-grade lubricants (NSF H1), cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical cleanroom qualification (HEPA filter testing aerosol), applications where mineral oil or less pure synthetic alternatives cannot be used without significant regulatory risk.

Features of Polyalphaolefin:
Polyalphaolefin is a colourless, odourless, water-clear viscous liquid (lower viscosity grades) to thicker oil (higher viscosity grades) at room temperature; it is completely odourless and tasteless; specific gravity typically 0.820–0.870 (grade-dependent); refractive index approximately 1.460–1.480 (grade-dependent); completely insoluble in water (and vice versa); miscible with mineral oils at any ratio; compatible with most plastics and elastomers commonly used with mineral oils (nitrile rubber, silicone, PTFE, FKM) at normal operating temperatures; causes seal shrinkage in some elastomers (especially acrylic and polyurethane seals) — ester co-blending (5–20%) resolves this.
Viscosity grades and performance: low-viscosity grades (PAO 2, PAO 4, PAO 6, PAO 8 — kinematic viscosity at 100°C 2–8 cSt) are used in engine oils, transmission fluids, and low-viscosity hydraulic fluids; medium-viscosity grades (PAO 10, PAO 40, PAO 100 — 10–100 cSt at 100°C) are used in gear oils, compressor oils, and high-viscosity hydraulic fluids; high-viscosity grades (PAO 150–1,000 — 150–1,000 cSt at 100°C) are used in high-viscosity industrial lubricants, open gear lubricants, rope lubricants, and APAO applications; all grades share the same basic structural characteristics (isoparaffinic, wax-free, high VI, low pour point) and differ only in molecular weight (oligomer chain length).
Key performance benchmarks: VI 120–145 (vs. Group I: ~85–100, Group II: ~80–120, Group III: >120, PAO: >130 typical); Noack evaporation at 250°C: <6–10% (vs. 15–25% for Group I mineral oil); pour point: −50°C to −60°C (vs. −15°C to −30°C mineral oil); flash point: typically >220°C (open cup, grade-dependent); thermal stability: up to 160°C continuous / 270°C intermittent; oxidative stability (RPVOT, ASTM D2272): significantly superior to Group I/II mineral oils; film strength: lower than mineral oil (requires additive treatment); water separation: excellent; rust and corrosion protection: additive-dependent.
Limitations requiring formulation attention: (1) additive solubility — PAO's non-polar character limits solubility of polar additives (zinc dithiophosphate (ZDDP), HALS, dispersants); resolved by blending 5–20% ester base oil; (2) seal shrinkage — PAO has insufficient solvency to cause normal seal swell in some elastomers (especially acrylic and polyurethane); resolved by ester co-blending; (3) reciprocating compressor deposits — PAO forms hard carbonaceous valve deposits in high-temperature high-pressure reciprocating air compressors; PAO not recommended for this application; (4) biodegradability — PAO is not readily biodegradable (OECD 301B); ester-based or vegetable oil alternatives preferred for environmentally sensitive applications; (5) cost — approximately 4× the cost of equivalent-viscosity mineral oil, but less than polyphenyl ether, perfluoropolyether, or phosphate ester synthetics.

Chemical Properties of Polyalphaolefin:
Polyalphaolefin is produced by: (1) oligomerisation of alpha-olefins (primarily 1-decene, from Ziegler-type ethylene chain growth or metathesis of internal olefins) over a Lewis acid catalyst (typically AlCl₃, BF₃, or boron trifluoride-alcohol complex) or, for higher-VI grades, metallocene catalysts; this produces a mixture of dimers, trimers, tetramers, and higher oligomers of the parent alpha-olefin; (2) fractionation by vacuum distillation to obtain specific viscosity grades; (3) hydrogenation over Ni or Pd catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure (typically 150–200°C, 30–60 bar H₂) to saturate residual C=C double bonds and achieve the final isoparaffinic, wax-free structure; if the starting alpha-olefin is 1-decene (C₁₀), the product is polydecene; if 1-dodecene (C₁₂), polydodecene; if a mixture of C₈/C₁₀/C₁₂ alpha-olefins, a mixed-grade PAO.
The molecular structure of PAO: isoparaffinic oligomers with a degree of polymerisation of 2–10+ (dimers to decamers); for PAO 6 (from 1-decene trimer): approximate molecular weight ~420 Da; for PAO 40 (pentamer/hexamer): approximate molecular weight ~700–840 Da; for PAO 100 (nonamer/decamer): approximate molecular weight ~1,260–1,400 Da; the isoparaffinic side-chain structure provides liquid-phase behaviour at low temperature (no crystallisation, no wax), and the fully saturated backbone provides oxidative stability; absence of branching within the backbone (vs. side-chain branching) provides a VI-maximising molecular architecture.
CAS numbers: 68649-12-7 (PAO from 1-decene; HEPA test aerosol application); 68037-01-4 (PAO from mixed alpha-olefins); specific grades may have individual CAS numbers; EINECS: 272-183-3 (for CAS 68649-12-7); REACH registered; PAO is not classified as hazardous under GHS; it does not contain carcinogenic PAH (unlike untreated mineral oils); it is not volatile at ambient temperature; it does not accumulate in food chains due to high molecular weight and low water solubility; it is not flammable under ambient conditions (flash point >200°C).
Chemical stability: PAO is stable to acid and alkali hydrolysis (ether-free structure — unlike ester base oils, PAO is hydrolytically stable); resistant to oxidation up to approximately 160°C continuous (superior to mineral oil); resistant to water (does not absorb water — unlike polyalkylene glycols); does not undergo polymerisation under storage; compatible with all common lubricant additive chemistries (ZDDP, HALS, VIs, detergents, dispersants) when dissolved in the presence of co-ester; thermal decomposition occurs above approximately 300°C in air.

Production of Polyalphaolefin:
The principal commercial production process for PAO is BF₃-catalysed oligomerisation of 1-decene (or other linear alpha-olefins): 1-decene is contacted with BF₃ in the presence of a promoter (alcohol, ester, or ether) at 30–100°C; the oligomerisation produces a statistical mixture of dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, and higher oligomers; the product mixture is separated by vacuum distillation into viscosity grades (typically PAO 2, PAO 4, PAO 6, PAO 8, PAO 10, PAO 40, PAO 100, PAO 150); each fraction is then hydrogenated over Ni or Pd catalyst at 150–200°C and 30–60 bar H₂ to saturate all C=C double bonds; the hydrogenated product is the finished PAO base oil; higher-VI grades requiring narrower molecular weight distributions may be produced with metallocene catalyst technology.
Amorphous polyalphaolefin (APAO) is produced by Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysis of alpha-olefin monomers (ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene) in a solution polymerisation process; the resulting amorphous (atactic) polymer is combined with tackifying resins and waxes to produce hot-melt adhesive formulations; APAO molecular weight ranges from 20,000–200,000 Da, and its amorphous character (lack of crystallinity) provides the required flexibility and adhesion in cold and warm conditions.
Commercial PAO base oils are available in viscosity grades from PAO 2 to PAO 1000; the most common grades in lubricant formulation are PAO 4, PAO 6, and PAO 8 (engine oils), PAO 10 and PAO 40 (gear oils, hydraulic fluids), and PAO 100–150 (high-viscosity industrial lubricants); leading manufacturers include Chevron Phillips (Synfluid), ExxonMobil (SpectraSyn), Ineos (Durasyn), Neste (Nexbase), and LANXESS; packaging: 20 L pails, 200 kg drums, IBC, bulk tanker.

Polyalphaolefin Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Handling of Polyalphaolefin:
Polyalphaolefin is a low-hazard material: it is non-toxic, non-irritating to skin and eyes under normal handling conditions, non-flammable at ambient temperature (flash point >200°C), and not classified as hazardous under GHS; standard industrial hygiene practices apply: avoid unnecessary skin contact (light oils can defat skin on prolonged contact); avoid aerosol generation (fine oil mist inhalation risk); wear gloves and safety glasses for routine handling.
PAO oil mist (generated by spray or aerosol) may cause respiratory irritation at elevated concentrations; control mist exposure to below applicable TWA limits (ACGIH TLV-TWA for oil mist, mineral/synthetic: 5 mg/m³); use local exhaust ventilation for aerosol-generating operations; do not use near open flames (flash point >200°C — combustible but not flammable at ambient temperature).

Polyalphaolefin SDS:

Stability and Reactivity of Polyalphaolefin:

Chemical stability:
Polyalphaolefin is chemically stable under normal ambient storage and handling conditions; it does not hydrolyse, polymerise, or react with biological tissue under normal conditions.
PAO is resistant to oxidation at temperatures up to approximately 160°C; slow oxidative degradation can occur at elevated temperatures in the presence of air — antioxidants (phenolic, aminic, or ZDDP-type) are added to finished lubricant formulations to extend service life.

Reactivity:
PAO is not reactive under normal ambient conditions; it is not flammable at ambient temperature (flash point >200°C); it does not react with water, dilute acids, or dilute alkalis.
At temperatures above approximately 300°C in air, thermal-oxidative decomposition may occur, producing carbonaceous deposits and low-molecular-weight hydrocarbon fragments.

Conditions to avoid:
Strong oxidising agents at elevated temperature.
Temperatures above 300°C in air (thermal-oxidative decomposition).
High-temperature high-pressure reciprocating air compressor applications (hard valve deposit formation).

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidising agents at elevated temperature.
BF₃/AlCl₃ catalyst residues (may catalyse oligomer degradation — removed during purification).
Certain elastomers susceptible to seal shrinkage (acrylic seals, polyurethane seals) — use ester co-blending or validate seal compatibility before use.

Hazardous decomposition products:
No hazardous decomposition products under normal ambient conditions.
At high temperature (>300°C in air): carbonaceous deposits, CO, CO₂, and low-MW hydrocarbon fragments.

Handling and Storage of Polyalphaolefin:

Handling:
Handle in well-ventilated areas; wear gloves and safety glasses for routine handling.
Avoid generating aerosols or mists; use local exhaust ventilation for spray and atomisation operations.
Not flammable at ambient temperature (flash point >200°C); no special ignition precautions required for ambient-temperature operations.
Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool (5–40°C), dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and UV light sources.
Protect from UV light — UV exposure may initiate slow oxidative degradation over time.
Shelf life: approximately 10 years in sealed containers; approximately 1 year after opening.
Keep away from strong oxidising agents and extreme heat (>150°C continuous).
Packaging: 20 L pails (HDPE); 200 kg steel or HDPE drums; 1,000 L IBC; bulk tanker.

First Aid Measures for Polyalphaolefin:

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if aerosol/mist exposure causes persistent respiratory symptoms, consult a physician; fine oil mist can cause respiratory irritation at elevated concentrations.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water; PAO is not an irritant to skin; prolonged contact with light-grade PAO may defat skin.
Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse the mouth; seek medical advice; PAO has very low acute oral toxicity; do not induce vomiting (fine aspiration risk).

Firefighting Measures for Polyalphaolefin:

Suitable extinguishing media: CO₂, dry chemical, foam; water mist (for container cooling only — avoid water jet on burning liquid).
Specific hazards: PAO is combustible at elevated temperatures (flash point >200°C — not flammable at ambient); at temperatures above flash point, combustible vapour-air mixtures can form; combustion produces CO and CO₂.
Protective equipment for firefighters: SCBA and full protective clothing; cool containers from distance with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures for Polyalphaolefin:

Personal precautions: Wear gloves and eye protection; contain spill to prevent slip hazard; eliminate ignition sources if large quantities are heated.
Environmental precautions: PAO is not readily biodegradable; prevent entry into drains, watercourses, and soil; notify environmental authorities for large spills.
Clean-up methods: Absorb with inert absorbent material (sand, vermiculite, clay); collect in sealed, labelled containers; dispose as industrial oil waste per applicable regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment for Polyalphaolefin:

Engineering controls: Good general ventilation for routine handling; local exhaust ventilation for aerosol-generating operations (spray application, misting); closed-system processing for bulk operations.
Eye protection: Safety glasses; chemical splash goggles for aerosol operations.
Hand protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves for prolonged contact; confirm elastomer compatibility with PAO.
Respiratory protection: Not required under normal ambient handling; OV+P2 filter respirator for operations generating sustained oil mist above TLV-TWA; SCBA for fire response.

Polyalphaolefin Identifiers:
CAS Number: 68649-12-7 (PAO from 1-decene; HEPA test aerosol); 68037-01-4 (mixed alpha-olefin PAO)
EINECS: 272-183-3 (CAS 68649-12-7)
API Classification: Group IV base oil
General structure: Isoparaffinic oligomers of alpha-olefins (dimers to decamers); fully hydrogenated; wax-free
Viscosity grades: PAO 2 to PAO 1000 (kinematic viscosity at 100°C, in cSt)
Viscosity Index (VI): 120–145
Pour Point: approximately −50°C to −60°C
Flash Point (open cup): >200°C (grade-dependent)
Continuous service temperature: up to ~160°C
Intermittent service temperature: up to ~270°C
Noack evaporation (250°C): <6–10% (grade-dependent)
Specific gravity: 0.820–0.870 (grade-dependent)
Water solubility: Insoluble
GHS Classification: Not classified
Shelf life: ~10 years (sealed); ~1 year (after opening)
Protect from: UV light, direct sunlight, strong oxidising agents
Leading trade names: Synfluid (Chevron Phillips), SpectraSyn (ExxonMobil), Durasyn (Ineos), Nexbase (Neste)
Food-grade: NSF H1 approved grades available
HEPA aerosol: CAS 68649-12-7; 0.1–1.0 µm aerosol; DOP replacement per JACA 2001

Properties of Polyalphaolefin:
Physical state: Liquid (all grades at room temperature)
Appearance: Colourless, water-clear liquid (low viscosity grades) to thicker colourless oil (high viscosity grades)
Odour: Odourless
Composition: Isoparaffinic oligomers of linear alpha-olefins (C₈/C₁₀/C₁₂); fully hydrogenated; no aromatic, sulfur, nitrogen, wax, or ring structures
Specific gravity: 0.820–0.870 (grade-dependent)
Kinematic viscosity at 100°C: 2–1,000 cSt (grade range)
Viscosity Index: 120–145
Pour point: approximately −50°C to −60°C
Flash point (open cup): >200°C (grade-dependent)
Noack evaporation: <6–10% at 250°C
Water solubility: Insoluble
Miscibility with mineral oil: Fully miscible at any ratio
Compatibility: Most plastics and elastomers (NBR, silicone, PTFE, FKM); potential seal shrinkage with acrylic, polyurethane seals
GHS Classification: Not classified
API Classification: Group IV
Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable (OECD 301B)
Shelf life: ~10 years (sealed)
Storage: Cool, dry, UV-protected; tightly closed containers

Polyalphaolefin Properties — Specifications:
Product name: Polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil — grade as specified
CAS Number: 68649-12-7 (1-decene PAO); 68037-01-4 (mixed AO PAO)
API Group: IV
Viscosity at 100°C: As specified (2–1,000 cSt, grade-dependent)
Viscosity Index (VI): 120–145 (grade-dependent)
Pour point: −50°C to −60°C (grade-dependent)
Flash point: >200°C open cup (grade-dependent)
Noack evaporation: <6–10% at 250°C (grade-dependent)
Specific gravity: 0.820–0.870
Appearance: Colourless, clear liquid
Water content: <50 ppm (typically)
Total acid number (TAN): <0.1 mgKOH/g
Colour (ASTM D1500): L0.5 (typically water-white)
GHS: Not classified
Food-grade: NSF H1 available (grade-specific)
Storage: 5–40°C; UV-protected; tightly closed
Packaging: 20 L pails; 200 kg drums; 1,000 L IBC; bulk tanker
Documents: TDS, SDS, MSDS, CoA, NSF H1 certification (where applicable)

Names of Polyalphaolefin:
Polyalphaolefin
PAO
Poly-alpha-olefin
Polyalphaolefin base oil
Synthetic hydrocarbon base oil
SHC
API Group IV base oil
Polydecene (PAO from 1-decene)
Polydodecene (PAO from 1-dodecene)
Polyoctene (PAO from 1-octene)
Hydrogenated polydecene
Hydrogenated polyalphaolefin
APAO (amorphous polyalphaolefin)
Synfluid (Chevron Phillips)
SpectraSyn (ExxonMobil)
Durasyn (Ineos)
Nexbase (Neste)
CAS 68649-12-7
CAS 68037-01-4
EINECS 272-183-3