Proposal of an FTIR Methodology to Monitor Oxidation Level in Used Engine Oils: Effects of Thermal Degradation and Fuel Dilution

Abstract

This article describes a procedure, based on ASTM standards D7214 and E2412, that has been defined to improve quantification of oil oxidation in used engine oils. Taking into account typical problems that can be found in this type of sample, including thermal oxidation and fuel dilution, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were analyzed also considering the effect of the oil formulation. Two zones were considered inside the typical wavenumber range for quantification of oxidation, where those problems can be detected and assessed more easily: zone A between 1725 and 1650 cm⁻¹, where the main oxidation products, such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and ketones, occur due to thermal degradation of the oil; and zone B between 1770 and 1725 cm⁻¹, where esters due to potential biodiesel dilution problems are detected.

KEY WORDS:

• Infrared
• Spectroscopy
• Oil Condition Monitoring
• Lubricant Degradation
• Internal Combustion Engine Oils

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors are grateful for Spanish Grant TRA2008-06508 (GLAUTO) from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación–Dirección General de Investigación for supporting this work.