Functional Fluids are oligomeric fluids with MWs above small (monomeric) molecules, but below those of high polymers. These fluids can have a function or use, either with or without explicit functional groups. Examples include synthetic basestocks, oligomeric plasticizers, GTL fluids, dispersants, viscosity modifiers, etc. The oligomeric regime has not received the same level of scientific attention as small molecules or polymers, even though the rules that govern the properties of oligomers often differ greatly from those that control the properties of high polymers. For example, entanglements and polymer-solvent interactions are less important for oligomers, while end-group and T-Tg effects are more significant. Moreover, co-oligomers have broader distributions of sequence lengths and compositions than those for copolymers. Characterization of oligomers is also more complicated for oligomers than polymers because of the molecular weight dependence of dn/dc and [?] at very low molecular weights. Addition of functional groups makes the science of oligomers both richer and more complicated (by virtue of associations, interface interactions, micellization, etc.). This paper will review and highlight the unique science of the oligomeric regime.

Functional oligomeric fluids: A unique materials regime

248th National Meeting (2014)

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