Autors: Tashev, A. M., Stoyanov, Y. S., Mitev, P. V.
Title: Aging Behavior and Wear Metal Evolution of Low-Viscosity SAE 0W20 Engine Oil During the First Service Interval †
Keywords: FT-IR oil analysis, ICP-OES elemental analysis, internal combustion engine, kinematic viscosity, lubricant aging, lubricant degradation, SAE 0W-20 engine oil, total base number, wear metals

Abstract: The present study investigates the physicochemical degradation and wear metal evolution of low-viscosity SAE 0W-20 engine oil during the first service interval of a modern gasoline internal combustion engine. Two oil samples were analyzed: fresh lubricant and used oil collected after approximately 13,000 km of vehicle operation. The analysis included determination of kinematic viscosity at 100 °C (ASTM D445), total base number (ASTM D2896), FT-IR spectroscopic indicators of chemical degradation (ASTM E2412), and elemental analysis of wear and additive metals using ICP-OES (ASTM D5185). The results show a viscosity reduction from 8.5 to 7.01 mm2/s and a decrease in the alkalinity reserve to 3.7 mgKOH/g, indicating progressive lubricant aging. FT-IR analysis revealed moderate oxidation, nitration, and sulfation processes, while elemental analysis identified Cu, Fe, and Al as the dominant wear metals. The observed changes correspond primarily to normal oil aging and engine running-in processes. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combined oil analysis techniques for monitoring lubricant degradation and early engine wear.

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Issue

Engineering Proceedings, vol. 150, 2026, Albania, https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026150055

Вид: статия в списание, публикация в реферирано издание, индексирана в Scopus