faq
The main components of chain oil are base oil and additives. Depending on the specific formulation of each chain oil, the base oil typically makes up about 85% to 95% of the mixture, while additives account for around 5% to 15%.
Base oil can be divided into two main categories: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Mineral oil is a product of refining crude oil. The complexity of the refining process determines the extent to which unsaturated hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and sulfur are removed, resulting in higher stability. However, this also comes with a higher price tag. An example of mineral oil is white oil. On the other hand, synthetic oil is produced to address environments where mineral oil falls short. It boasts superior characteristics such as better antioxidant capabilities, heat resistance, radiation resistance, minimal impact on rubber seals (O-rings), and a higher viscosity index (indicating viscosity is less affected by temperature changes), leading to a longer lifespan. However, the downside of synthetic oil is its higher cost.
There are two main types of synthetic chain oil available in the market, namely ester-based oils and polyalphaolefin (PAO) oils.
Let's start with the first type, ester-based oils. The major advantage of ester-based oils is their excellent penetration capability. They can quickly penetrate into the gaps between the roller pins and plates of the chain (the areas where wear occurs due to chain movement). The primary lubrication needed is on the inside of the chain, rather than just on the surface. Surface oil serves the purpose of preventing rust. If the surface feels dry, it's an indication that more chain oil needs to be applied. Ester-based oils form strong and adhesive oil films, making them capable of withstanding heavy loads. This leads to reduced chain wear. They also have a high viscosity index (VI), around 150 (compared to mineral oil VI of approximately 90-100). Products like BECHEM CU250 belong to this category.
As for the second type, polyalphaolefin (PAO) oils are advantageous due to their cost-effectiveness compared to other types of synthetic oils. However, they are somewhat challenging to blend with additives during the manufacturing process. Therefore, producing chain oils with good anti-wear properties using PAO base oils can be difficult. Additionally, PAO oils lack the inherent metal polarity found in ester-based oils.
The selection of chain oil viscosity is currently one of the most lacking areas of knowledge in the market. However, this is actually very important. Even if the quality of the chain oil is excellent, an incorrect viscosity can still lead to a shortened chain lifespan.
Based on our experience and professional recommendations, for smaller chains, it is advisable to opt for chain oil with lower viscosity. For chains subjected to heavy loads, choosing chain oil with higher viscosity is recommended. In the case of high-speed chains, using lower viscosity oil helps reduce resistance (viscosities below 100cst are less likely to cause resistance). On rainy days, using chain oil with higher viscosity (around 250cst) provides better resistance against washout and rust prevention. If there is a concern about dust adhering to the chain, lower viscosity oil (around 46cst) can be used.