Effects of comb-like poly-a-olefins on the cold flow properties of diesel fuel

Pour point depressants (PPDs) represent an efficient and economical approach to enhance diesel's lowtemperature fluidity, yet their efficacy is influenced by molecular structure and surfactant moieties. To achieve highly effective PPDs, a series of comb-structured poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) were synthesized in this paper, designated as 1-hexadecene-styrene (C16-SM), 1-hexadecene- allyl benzene (C16-AM), and 1-hexadecene-indene (C16-IM). The copolymers' impact on diminishing diesel's solid point (SP) and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) was thoroughly investigated. Notably, with a 1-hexadecene to styrene monomer molar ratio of 20:1, the most favorable inhibitory effect of C16-SM was observed, exhibiting a reduction of 10 degrees C for CFPP and 30 degrees C for SP. Comparing C16-SM to commercial pour point depressants (CPPDs) after subjecting them to an accelerated oxidation test revealed that the C16-SM performance was more stable under oxidative conditions. To address stability and environmental pollution concerns associated with PPDs, this study aims to develop a stable, ecofriendly PAO PPD and assess the influence of various benzene ring-based monomers on diesel's cold fluidity in low-temperature conditions. Furthermore, a novel mechanism elucidating the change in crystal morphology and size by PAOs is proposed.