Formulating LXE, a direct synthetic replacement to Sperm Whale oil
Liquid Wax Ester (LXE®) was first developed and patented as a synthetic replacement for sperm whale oil. The structure and performance of LXE is similar to that of natural sperm whale oil, and is one of the world's largest known ester chains. The synthetic ester has a structure that binds the molecules together tightly, thus allowing flow at low temperatures while maintaining oxidative stability. Because it has very little unsaturation, it is much more stable than many other synthetic molecules.
So how, exactly is LXE made? Glad you asked.
LXE Technology is bio-based, and composed of the fatty acid of a high erucic acid containing seed oil esterified with an expensive and rare alcohol. The process demands that we use the highest purity essential oils, with long fatty chain triglyceride ester groups and with little or no unsaturation (which if present, would lead to oxidative instability).
Some LUBEGARD products with LXE Technology also use a phosphorous material, whereby the compound reacts at metal surfaces and forms a strong bond, great for use as an anti-wear additive and friction modifier which is also very effective and efficient for slow sliding speeds.
An organic sulphur compound is also used in various products. This is what gives the distinct odor of some LUBEGARD Products. The phosphorous-sulphur combination enhances the anti-wear properties of the phosphorus for additional performance and protection. The esters serve as a lubricant and an antioxidant, which prevents air from reacting with hydrocarbons and converting them to sludge and dirt.
And of course, the LXE molecule and its’ derivative molecules are then incorporated into various functional formulations or products that are perfect for industries such as automotive, marine, power equipment, essentially any motorized system where heat, oxidation, wear, and acid buildup could occur.
Interestingly enough, ILI’s unique synthetic LXE Technology is proven to actually outperform the sperm whale oil additives. Independent third party testing by OEM fluid laboratories prove LXE Technology reduces component wear by at least 50%, reduces oxygen uptake, which leads to oxidation by 30% and reduces pentane insolubles (sludge) by 60% when added to GM® factory fill. (Reference oil for DEXRON® approval).
The Unique Difference
It’s at the molecular level that lubricants are different. Blending of various components allows their molecular structures to translate to the characteristics needed to fight oxidation, heat build-up, converter chatter, etc. LXE functions primarily to remove heat from frictional surfaces which can see surface temperatures in automatic transmissions of more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. LXE absorbs the heat from internal metal surfaces and transfers that heat to the outer metal surface where it is dissipated.
Removes Heat
LUBEGARD esters are most famous for their “heat sink” abilities. Heat sink is the absorption of heat generated at frictional surfaces, such as gears, or gear teeth into the oil phase. In mechanical systems, heat is absorbed from the frictional surface through the bulk oil (whether it’s synthetic or mineral), and is carried to and discharged through the container walls. For example, in an automatic transmission, the heat is carried and discharged to the outer metal housing and cooling system. When two metal surfaces come in close contact, they compress the oil molecules between the metal surfaces at the metal-oil interface. The friction generated at that interface generates heat (just like when you rub your hands together - you feel frictional heat on your skin). When LUBEGARD LXE®(Liquid Wax Ester)Technology is present in the oil, its molecules are adsorbed onto the internal metal surfaces soaking up the heat and transferring it to the bulk oil from the metal surfaces. The oil and LXE molecules containing the heat are then dispersed to the external metal housing where it is dissipated to the atmosphere (surroundings). Other competing additives can actually trap in excess heat in critical functional areas - likely resulting in failures.
Superior Lubrication
HYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION: Lubrication systems where moving surfaces are actually separated by an oil film, preventing all metal contact. This is also referred to as “full film” lubrication. In other words; when metal surfaces do not ever touch each other. In a mechanical assembly the viscosity of the fluid impacts the fluid film. That's why using the right additive is crucial! The movement of metal surfaces creates friction between the surfaces. LXE molecules actually REMOVE the heat and transport it to the outer core, thereby shielding, or protecting the internal components.
BOUNDARY LUBRICATION: Conditions that do not permit the formation of lubricant film. In other words, areas where surfaces actually touch. As in metal to metal contact.
The molecular makeup of LXE Technology provides a very long chain of carbon atoms and contains carbon-oxygen bonds. The oxygen atom is strongly attracted to metal surfaces. Advantageously, when the LXE molecules are heated in internal critical components, the release of the atoms carry the heat outward in a spiral centrifugal force (similar to spinning a toy top in a puddle of water) and transfers it harmlessly to the outer metal case. LUBEGARD LXE molecules actually attach to the metal surfaces - and then are released (instead of scraping or scoring the metal) and instantly reform again, then are released again, reforms, released again and continues to reform/release indefinitely.
The Unique Results
- Only LXE Technology has been approved, endorsed, recommended and used by OEM’s.
- LUBEGARD products with LXE Technology have eight service bulletins from the OEM’s, which tell their dealerships to use a specific
- LUBEGARD product to fix a specific problem. There is no other competing product that can make that claim.
- LUBEGARD products are currently recommended and endorsed by the largest transmission repair chains: AAMCO®, Cottman® and LeeMyles®.
- LUBEGARD has been awarded the most TOP SHOP PRODUCTS and TOP TOOL Awards by professional transmission technicians year after year.
- ILI was awarded the prestigious ‘Product of the Year’ award for its proprietary LXE Technology from Lubricants World.
ILI's ground-breaking research has led to research grants in excess of $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense and the Soy Bean Board. Today, LUBEGARD Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant is the number one product used in the professional transmission rebuild industry, and the only product of its kind to be used and approved by major automobile manufacturers (OEM’s).
International Lubricants, Inc. has been granted a total of over 100 U.S. and foreign patents and their research efforts ensure that they remain on the cutting edge of new product development and product improvements.
