3. Properties of different base oil families

The term "synthetic oil" is not defined in the technical field, but is perceived differently by different players. A discussion remains in the field of bio-lubricants. It concerns the resources to be used, both technically and ethically:

• oils of purely (direct) vegetable origin ;

• base oils using vegetable resources ;

• renewable base oils with a chemical structure identical to a petrochemical differing in ¹⁴ C isotope fingerprint.

The characteristic advantages of base oils with a renewable and chemically identical content to a petrochemical competitor are obvious when it comes to lubricant functionality.

ISO 15380 deals in detail with all four types of environmentally acceptable...