Function

• An integral part of internal combustion engines, motor oil acts as a lubricant in parts that come in contact of each other and create friction. Oil creates a film of lubrication between moving parts and minimizes direct contact. Gasoline engines reach temperatures of 320 degrees F while diesel reach 600 degrees F. Without it, an engine would wear away parts and heat to levels that would affect fuel consumption and power output. Its absence can possibly lead to full engine failure.
  Sludge and particles accumulate inside the crankcase where the oil is located. This oil is channeled through an oil filter in order to remove these dangerous components. However, the motor oil needs to be completely changed from an engine periodically.
  
  

Types

• Motor oil is a thick petroleum hydrocarbon derived from the heavier elements in crude oil. One important factor of motor oil is ts viscosity. Viscosity measures the ability of oil to flow properly in various conditions. Because an internal combustion engine needs to start in extreme cold, its important that oil flows at low temperatures. Oil must retain a high flash point as well. Because it is a petroleum product, it is combustible. However, a fire within an engine is obviously a negative event, so the flash point of motor oil is an important factor in manufacture.
  Each type of motor oil is given a designation that defines its viscosity rating as well as its flash point.
  
  

Features

• The American Petroleum Institute is responsible for regulation of motor oil and setting standards for viscosity and flash points. Most modern motor oils include detergents to keep an engine clean. They have also been altered through processing from their native nature. Scientists have found ways to hydrocrack the carbons and produce fractionally distilled petroleum.
  European regulators have changed their method for production of oil to create lubricants that can last far longer than traditional elements. Volkswagen now uses a motor oil that can last up to two years without being changed.
  
  

Considerations

• A different design for motor oil is needed for turbine motors. Unlike internal combustion engines, turbines are naturally balanced rotating machines which minimizes the stresses put on their components. This creates a system in which deposit control and corrosion are minimized. A turbine does reach a very high temperature, however, creating a situation in which the motor oil must have a very high flash point. Because of convective cooling during operation, the heat of a turbine is rather low, but increases significantly when the machine is turned off.
  
  

Significance

• Synthetic motor oil was first developed by German scientists in World War II due to a lack of petroleum in the country. The scientists found that synthetics could function at lower temperatures due to the lack of wax in their makeup. It wasn't until the 1970s that synthetic motor oils began being marketed to consumers.
  In addition to synthetics, biodegradable motor oil made from animal fats has begun to reach the consumer market. These oils are renewable and non-damaging to the environment.
  In the early twenty-first century, advanced processes to turn used plastics into a clear motor oil became effective. This provides an opportunity to recycle environmentally hazardous plastics and reduce the consumption of natural fossil fuels.