Base Oils 1 – Fundamentals

Base Oils 1 – Fundamentals is your starting point for understanding the building blocks of all lubricants: base oils. Whether mineral or synthetic, base oils determine a lubricant’s core properties and its ability to perform under varying mechanical, thermal, and chemical conditions.

This course introduces the key functions of base oils, the industry classification systems (API Groups I–V), and the wide range of physical and chemical properties that impact lubricant performance. From viscosity and volatility to solubility, miscibility, and oxidative stability, each module helps you understand how these attributes influence formulation, performance, and application suitability.

You’ll also gain clarity on properties like pour point, flash point, demulsibility, and seal compatibility—giving you a technical vocabulary and decision-making framework essential to anyone involved in lubricant development, sales, or technical support.

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the core functions of base oils in lubricant formulations
• Understand the API classification system and base oil groupings
• Explain the significance of viscosity, VI, volatility, and pour point
• Evaluate base oil suitability for different operating conditions and equipment types
• Communicate confidently about base oil properties with customers or colleagues