Introduction to the PIBSA Series
PIBSA, the full name of which is polyisobutylene succinate, is a crucial chemical intermediate in the lubricant industry. It is not the final product itself, but the core raw material for manufacturing a series of high-performance lubricating oil additives, especially ash-free dispersants. It can be said that the cleaning and dispersing performance of modern engine oil is largely based on PIBSA.

1. Chemical essence and core values
PIBSA is a chemical substance produced by the thermal addition reaction of highly active polyisobutylene and maleic anhydride.

Its molecular structure has two key characteristics:

An oil-soluble long chain: from polyisobutylene, enabling it to dissolve perfectly in lubricating oil.

A highly active polar head: derived from succinic anhydride, enabling it to further undergo chemical reactions with nitrogen-containing compounds (such as polyenes and polyamines).

This special structure of "oil-soluble tail" plus "active head" is precisely the fundamental reason why it can serve as an intermediate for highly efficient dispersants.

2. Main models: PIBSA1000 and PIBSA1300
The numbers following PIBSA (such as 1000, 1300) usually refer to the number-average molecular weight of the polyisobutylene raw material used in its production. This difference in molecular weight is the key to distinguishing different PIBSA models and performances.

PIBSA1000

This is one of the most classic and commonly used models. It is made of highly active polyisene with a molecular weight of approximately 1000 daltons.

Features: It has high reactivity and an appropriate molecular size, making it the preferred choice for preparing most standard ash-free dispersants.

Application: Widely used as a monosuccinimide or disuccinimide dispersant required for the preparation of gasoline engine oil and common diesel engine oil (such as T151, T154A, etc. we mentioned earlier).

PIBSA1300

It is made of polyisobutylene with a higher molecular weight (about 1300 Daltons).

Characteristics: Due to the longer chain of polyisobutylene, its molecular weight is larger, its oil solubility is better, and the molecules of the prepared dispersant are also larger.

Application: Mainly used for the synthesis of high-molecular-weight dispersants. This type of dispersant performs particularly well in dealing with the large amount of soot produced by diesel engines. It can more effectively prevent the increase in engine oil viscosity and filter clogging caused by soot accumulation. Therefore, it is a key raw material for heavy-duty diesel engine oil and engine oil formulations with long oil change cycles.

Briefly summarize the relationship between the two:

PIBSA1000 is a "jack-of-all-rounder" with wide applicability, meeting the dispersion requirements of most engine oils.

The PIBSA1300 is an "expert player", specifically designed to address the more demanding issue of ash dispersion and offer longer-lasting high-temperature protection.

3. Core applications: From intermediates to final products
The most important application of PIBSA is to undergo imination reactions with polyenes and polyamines to form polyisobutylene succinimide - which is the well-known ash-free dispersant in lubricating oil.

The mechanism of action of ash-free dispersant is as follows: Its powerful polar head can adsorb on the surface of solid particles such as sludge and soot produced in the engine oil, while its long oil-soluble tail extends into the surrounding oil. Through the steric hindrance effect, these contaminated particles are dispersed, preventing them from accumulating and depositing inside the engine, thereby keeping the engine clean.

In addition, PIBSA can also be used in the production of

Emulsifier: Used in metalworking fluids and other fields.

Corrosion inhibitors and other specialty chemicals.

4. Main Functions and Importance
As an intermediate, the performance of PIBSA directly determines the quality of the final dispersant product:

The determination of dispersion capacity: Its molecular weight and activity are the basis of the final dispersion efficiency of the dispersant.

Impact on oil solubility: The length of the polyisobutylene chain ensures the good solubility of the additive in oil.

It offers ash-free characteristics: As its molecules do not contain metal elements, the final prepared dispersant will not produce ash after combustion, protecting the sophisticated exhaust gas after-treatment systems of modern engines.