Mineral or Petroleum Oils

These are obtained by distillation of petroleum. The length of the hydrocarbon chain in petroleum oils varies between about 12 to 50 carbon atoms. The shorter chain oils contain lower viscosity than the longer-chain hydrocarbons. These are most widely used because they are cheap and available in abundance. They are poor in oiliness which can be improved by adding high molecular weight compounds like oleic and stearic acids, & vegetable oils and fatty acids. Many improved properties are attained by blending.