Symbols between the load surfaces represent oil molecules. Note that in the example on the left, they are not identical or uniform. This is the case with all mineral oils. Also note that only the largest molecules touch both surfaces. This demonstrates that load bearing is less efficient than it could be. Also, petroleum molecules may contain nitrogen and sulphur atoms which contribute to oil contamination and breakdown. The thin outline of each shape shows that the molecules are not inherently stable - that is, they break down under exposure to higher temperatures and oxygen. In the illustration to the right however, oil molecule shapes are uniform. PAO oil (short for Polyalphaolefin, used in Amsoil), forms a solution of identical molecules. Not only are they uniform, but they do not contain sulphur, nitrogen or oxygen atoms which means they are stable (resistant to oxidation and temperature breakdown). Tough - and built to stay that way
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