MolaKule
Staff member
A Short Time Line for Development, by permission of MolaKule.
This is a summary of the latest issue of Tribology and Lubrication Technology (TLT) by the S.T.L.E., (Sept. 2015) that had an article entitled, “GF-6, PC-11, and Dexos1,” by Dr. Neil Canter, which discussed the additive and formulation challenges for these upcoming specifications.
GF-6 has two subcategories: GF-6A and GF-6B. GF-6A will cover existing engine oil grades while GF-6B will cover new grades lower than 0W20.
Honda recently requested two new engine grades, 0W12 and 0W8, be included in the Engine Oil Viscosity Grade Classification System.
PC-11 also has two subcategories: PC-11A is to be backward compatible with the current HDEO category API CJ-4 with an HTHS of 3.5 minimum, while PC-11B is for new, lower viscosity HDEO’s with a minimum HTHS of 2.9 to 3.2.
The new GF-6 engine tests will require as many as six new engine tests
One of the interesting points made was that, new and lighter engines means that new additives must be developed for use in lubricants that will need to operate in the boundary layer.
Dr. Simon Tung of Vanderbilt Chemicals expressed the tone of many additive company representatives when he, said, “Lower viscosity grade oil might not be able to have enough oil film thickness to protect [against] engine wear as higher viscosity oils. The improvement in fuel economy performance seen with lower viscosity oils may have a negative impact on durability because the oil film is less robust under the most extreme loading and high temperature conditions encountered with emerging engine technologies. Enhanced fortification of specific additive components or a different formulation shape may be required to deliver the antiwear and durability requirements needed in GF-6B engine oils.”
The Short Additive and Formulation Timeline:
In addition to the short development timeline for GF-6 and PC-11, along comes the second generation Dexos1 specification to be released in August 2016. Martin Birze of Lubrizol said, “…Second generation Dexos1, which contains 13 tests, sets higher standards for fuel economy, and durability performance than the current Dexos!.”
Steve Haffner of Infineum says, “Considering the qualification and licensing protocols introduced by GM, most products will require new formulations which will impact logistics. With GF-6 only 18 to 24 months after the planned introduction of second generation Dexos1, PCMO’s may need to be reformulated.”
Gary Parsons of Chevron Oronite stated, “Formulators must develop products to meet next generation Dexos without knowing how or whether they will necessarily link to GF-6 once it is introduced. Since Dexos1 is more than one year in advance of GF-6, short-term prority must be given to Dexos.”
So there you have it.
It is obvious that the additive companies, testing companies, and we formulators will be extremely busy in the next two years.
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I also read an article about the retirement of a formulator from Chevron (the father of DELO). Those who know him also will be familiar with his regular reminder: "You have to go slow, in order to go fast."
Ionic Liquids maybe? At the risk of angering readers here, I'm already thinking about taking an advanced-chemistry 0w-8 or 0w-16 GF-6B and thicken it up using a half-dose of STP Oil Treatment or Lucas Oil Stabilizer to get a little more viscosity. Better boundary/mixed lubrication. 
Actually, dexos is a higher spec than GF-6, like the way MB229.5 beats dexos1, on up the quality ladder, therefore dexos is good in my book if I want a better oil, usually the case.
I do kind of agree with you since if an oil is SN/GF-5 AND ACEA A1/B1, it practically is dexos1 level quality already, all using standard public specs together.
