SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ...

Preface to the First Edition
While in many applications the primary function of a synthetic fluid is lubrication, it is by no
means the only function. Heat transfer, power transmission, electrical insulation, and corrosion
inhibition are only a few of the other tasks that fluids may be expected to perform. In many
instances the requirements of the tasks exceed the performance capabilities of natural fluids, and
the synthesis of new products to meet the extraordinary demands is necessary. In other cases, synthetic
fluids have proven to be more cost-effective than natural products in meeting the requirements
of a given application. In still other cases, environmental or toxicological considerations
have mandated the use of synthetic functional fluids, which are relatively nontoxic in comparison
to many naturally derived fluids. Synthetic fluids, designed to provide performance characteristics
above and beyond those available from fluids derived from most natural sources, are the
subject of this book.
The intention of this book is to provide a one-volume overview of the various types and uses
of synthetic functional fluids currently available. The first section of the book is devoted to the
different fluids. Each chapter is focused on a particular class of compounds and is authorized by
a recognized expert in the field. The fluids covered include all the well-established commercial
products as well as some experimental fluids that have the potential of becoming commercialized
in the near future. To the extent possible, each chapter includes a discussion of:
Historical Development
Chemistry
Property and Performance Characteristics
Manufacture, Marketing, and Economics
Outlook
The second section of the book deals with applications. These chapters focus on specific
application areas for which synthetic fluids are either currently used or being seriously considered
for use. Again, the authors are recognized experts in the application area. The chapters
cover:
Historical Development
Synthetic Fluids Appropriate to Application
Comparative Performance Data
Current Commercial Practice
The third and last section of the book deals with long-range trends in the use of synthetic
fluids in major industries or areas of interest. The authors of these chapters have been chosen
because of their ability to take a long-term view. They have been asked to consider not only
where their field of interest is today, but where it is headed in the future. They have in effect
been asked to become prognosticators of future developments in synthetic functional fluids.
Copyright © 1999 Marcel Dekker, Inc.
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