7.30.2008

Green Motor Oil

ScienceDaily (July 29, 2008) — Titanium, a protean element with applications from pigments to aerospace alloys, could get a new role as an environmentally friendly additive for automotive oil, thanks to work by materials scientists from Afton Chemical Corporation (Richmond, Va.) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The researchers established that a titanium compound added to engine oil creates a wear-resistant nanoscale layer bound to the surface of vulnerable engine parts, making it a credible substitute for older compounds that do not coexist well with antipollution equipment. (Full Story at sd)

On a similar note: Check your owners manual for the frequency of oil changes suggested. The old adage that every 3000 miles or 3 months doesn't usually hold true. In general, you can wait longer than that which is good for the wallet and the environment.