What Is High Viscosity PAO?
High viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAO) are high-performance, Group IV synthetic base oils produced through the controlled oligomerization of alpha-olefins. PAO fluids are the most common major synthetic base oil used in industrial and automotive lubricants, designed to provide superior lubrication performance over a wider operating-temperature range than petroleum oils.
Unlike low viscosity PAO grades used as primary base fluids, high viscosity PAO functions as both a synthetic base oil and a synthetic viscosity improver. Its high shear stability, extremely low volatility, high viscosity index, and broad temperature service range give formulators new options for bringing fully synthetic lubricants to market. The relatively low molecular weight of high viscosity PAO compared to classic viscosity modifiers makes these products stable to significant shear stresses — especially in gear oils — providing a more consistent oil film thickness.
Key Benefits of High Viscosity Polyalphaolefins (PAO)
-
High Viscosity Index (VI) — Better energy efficiency and consistent performance across a wide temperature range
- Excellent Thermal and Oxidative Stability — Supports long drain intervals and high-temperature service
- High Shear Stability — Maintains film thickness under load for reliable wear protection
- Low Volatility — Minimizes oil consumption and evaporative loss
- Excellent Low-Temperature Fluidity — Low pour points for cold-weather and wide-temperature operation
- Strong Film Strength — Load-carrying performance for heavy industrial applications
High Viscosity PAO Grades
RB Products supplies high viscosity PAO in grades ranging from 40 cSt to 100 cSt (kinematic viscosity at 100 °C, measured per ASTM D445). These grades are frequently blended with low viscosity PAO to hit precise finished-fluid viscosity targets.
| Grade | Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| PAO 40 | ~40 cSt | Industrial gear oils, greases, viscosity modification |
| PAO 100 | ~100 cSt | Heavy-duty gear oils, compressor oils, high-temp greases |
Contact us for full technical data sheets and to confirm grade availability for your formulation.
Common Applications of High Viscosity PAO
High viscosity PAO delivers the shear stability, film strength, and load-carrying performance required across a range of industrial applications:
- Industrial & Automotive Gear Oils — Shear-stable film protection under high load
- Synthetic Greases — Thermal endurance and low volatility for extended service
- Compressor Oils — Oxidative stability for long drain intervals
- Adhesives & Sealants — High-temperature performance and formulation stability
- Metalworking Fluids — Reliable lubricity and film strength
- HI&I Formulations — Household, industrial, and institutional lubricant applications
Why Choose RB Products as Your High Viscosity PAO Supplier?
As an established high viscosity PAO manufacturer and supplier, RB Products brings nearly 30 years of specialty hydrocarbon experience to every order. We work directly with formulators and procurement teams to identify the right grade, provide technical data and samples, and maintain the product consistency that synthetic lubricant formulations require. Our broader polyalphaolefin portfolio includes low viscosity PAO grades from 2 cSt to 10 cSt, giving formulators a single, qualified source across the full PAO viscosity range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request a Quote for High Viscosity PAO
Looking for a reliable high viscosity PAO supplier and manufacturer? Call RB Products today at (281) 872-6099 or contact us online to request a quote, sample, or technical data sheet.