Increase performance with Priolube™ 6050
Improve durability and biodegradability in hydraulic fluids without compromise
Modern base oils help formulators build high-performance, long-lasting lubricants - but every chemistry involves tradeoffs. Traditional synthetic esters can struggle with hydrolytic stability in water-exposed service, while mineral-oil and PAO-based fluids can fall short on biodegradability and bio-based content. Cargill™ Priolube™ 6050 is a next-generation synthetic ester co-base fluid designed to improve oxidative stability, hydrolytic stability, and biodegradability in hydraulic fluids and stern tube oils.
Priolube 6050 helps formulators overcome the traditional tradeoff between stability and biodegradability in hydraulic fluid formulations.
Key benefits for hydraulic fluids
Performance benefits that matter in real applications
Readily biodegradable*
High bio-based content**
Strong oxidative and hydrolytic stability
Low friction
What challenges does Priolube 6050 solve?
How to improve hydraulic fluid durability and performance
Hydraulic fluids often suffer from hydrolysis, oxidation, and friction‑related losses leading to shorter fluid life and reduced efficiency. Priolube 6050 helps formulators overcome these limitations by enhancing stability, lowering friction, and supporting EAL‑compliant formulations.
Problem: Hydrolysis in water-rich systems - causes acid formation and fluid degradation
Solution: Increased resistance to hydrolysis - less acid formed, longer fluid lifetime
Problem: Oxidation at high operating temperatures - reduces fluid lifetime
Solution: High oxidative stability - increases fluid lifetime
Problem: Low biodegradability of conventional fluids
Solution: 86% bio-based** and readily biodegradable*
Problem: Energy losses from friction
Solution: Lower traction and improved efficiency
Why formulators are re-evaluating conventional hydraulic base oils
Why Priolube 6050?
Unlocking measurable value for your formulations
86%
Bio-based content*
Reduces reliance on fossil resources
>10x
Longer oxidation life
vs. PAO40
>1700
Minutes
Of oxidation induction time
30%
Lower traction
vs. conventional saturated esters and PAO
Proven performance
Superior oxidative stability
Priolube 6050 shows a significantly longer oxidation‑induction period than conventional base oils, indicating superior resistance to thermal oxidation.
Figure 1. Oxidative stability measured by RapidOxy tester (ASTM D7545). Sample pressurized to 700 kPa O₂ and held at 160 °C; oxidation is tracked as a pressure drop. The time to reach a 10% pressure decrease reflects the sample’s oxidative induction time.
Exceptional hydrolytic stability
Priolube 6050 demonstrates the lowest acid value increase over time, confirming excellent resistance to water‑induced degradation.
Figure 2. Hydrolytic stability of ester base oils evaluated using Swedish standard SS155181. Samples containing 10% water were held at 90 °C in a sealed conical‑flask, and ΔAcid Value was measured at 5, 8 and 15 days.
Efficiency gains at 40°C
Priolube 6050 maintains lower traction across operating and high‑temperature conditions, supporting improved efficiency and reduced wear.
Figure 3. MTM traction curves at 40 °C under 16 N load and 2 ms⁻¹ entrainment speed. Priolube 6050 exhibits a lower coefficient of friction across 0–100% SRR than unsaturated and saturated polyol esters and ISO 150 PAO blends, indicating reduced traction and improved efficiency at moderate operating temperatures.
Efficiency gains at 100°C
Priolube 6050 maintains lower traction across operating and high‑temperature conditions, supporting improved efficiency and reduced wear.
Figure 4. MTM traction curves at 100 °C under 16 N load and 2 m s⁻¹ entrainment speed. Priolube 6050 maintains lower traction than comparative ester and PAO systems across the SRR range, demonstrating stable low‑friction performance and efficiency benefits at elevated temperatures.
Solve formulation challenges with Cargill experts
Work directly with our technical specialists to evaluate performance targets, EAL-related requirements and formulation tradeoffs to optimize stability, efficiency and fluid life.
*OECD 301B
**ASTM D6866