SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ...

Preface to the Second Edition
The objective of this second edition is to provide up-to-date information on the many synthetic
lubricants that are available in order to meet the increasingly severe demands placed on them.
In addition to including all chapter subjects that appeared in the first edition, this edition contains
new chapters in each of the three parts: fluids, applications, and trends. In Part I, on fluids, there
are new chapters on poly(internal)olefins, polyphenyl ethers, polymer esters, and highly refined
mineral oils.
In Part II, on applications, the chapter on gear oils from the first edition has been split
into automotive gear lubricants and industrial gear oils in this one. There is also a new chapter
on refrigeration lubes. In Part III, on trends, the chapter on automotive trends has been
separated into four chapters, each representing a different region of the globe: Europe, the
United States, Asia, and South America. Because these markets are at different stages of
development and are growing at greatly different rates, it is appropriate that these regions be
evaluated separately.
In addition to the textual material, most authors of the fluids chapters have included a list of
commercially available fluids related to their chapter, giving the properties and in some cases performance
data for the fluids described.
The last chapter of this second edition is a compilation of lubricant-related terms and
acronyms. It includes the abbreviations of many organizations around the globe that are involved
in the lubricants industry in one way or another.
Finally, an extensive index has been included to facilitate use of this book. All in all, this
second edition will be a valuable reference for the status of synthetic lubricants and highperformance
functional fluids as we approach the next millennium.
Leslie R. Rudnick: I wish to extend thanks to all of my colleagues (and especially Ron
Shubkin), who encouraged me to begin and complete this book. This edition is the collection of the
efforts and expertise of over 50 contributors recognized as experts in their respective areas of work.
The best aspect of this project has been the opportunity to meet and interact with the many contributors.
It is my sincere hope that we will continue to share our areas of interest long after this project
is complete. This project would not have progressed as efficiently had it not been for the excellent
guidance and advice received from Rita Lazazzaro and Eric Stannard of Marcel Dekker, Inc.
I would especially like to thank Kelli Swatsworth, who helped with all the correspondence
and typing. I would also like to thank my wife, Paula, and my family for their understanding and
support while I worked on this book.
Ronald L. Shubkin: The preparation of the first edition of Synthetic Lubricants and High-
Performance Functional Fluids afforded me an opportunity to meet and get to know one of the
finest groups of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with—the authors of the individual
chapters. For this opportunity, I will always be grateful.
Much has changed in the few years since the original publication. It was with great satisfaction
(and relief) that I was able to coax Les Rudnick into joining me as the coeditor of the
Copyright © 1999 Marcel Dekker, Inc.
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