Heavy Alkyl Benzene (HAB)

Heavy Alkyl Benzene (HAB) is a byproduct in the process of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) production. The potential of the usage of HAB in the formulation of gasoline and diesel engine oils as well as hydraulic fluid is indicated. With the aim of passing 5W30, 5W40, 10W40, and 15W40 standards, different engine oils have been formulated. The formulations contain various amounts of HAB as minor component, and miscellaneous quantities of solvent neutral 100 (SN-100), SN-150, and SN-650 as major component. The measurement of typical properties of obtained oils indicates that some of them do have the intended criteria. Test field of the recent oils designate that they have good performance. In the next step, different blends of HAB as major component and polyisobutene (PIB) as minor component have successfully been employed in the formulation of several ISO grade hydraulic fluids. The achieved materials do have suitable air release and demulsibility. HAB is also used as a key ingredient in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other cleaning products. The advantages of using HAB in the production of detergents and surfactants include its excellent cleaning properties, compatibility with different formulations, and biodegradability. HAB is also an environmentally friendly alternative to other surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which is less biodegradable and more toxic to aquatic life.

Advantages
It is used as heat transfer oil and lubricating greases.
It is an important raw material used in the production of detergents and surfactants.