LUBRICANT The lubricant component is invariably a high-molecular-weight compound of low volatility. Almost exclusively the lubricants are either polyalkylene glycols and derivatives or castor oil and derivatives. The evaporation test in the S.A.E. specifications requiring 15% and 20% residue in moderate-duty and heavy-duty hydraulic fluids is included to insure the presence of 15 and 20% lubricant in these formulations. The more important properties required of a lubricant are: Good lubricating properties for rubber Stability under all conditions of operation Small change in viscosity with temperature High- and low-temperature miscibility with commonly used hydraulic fluid solvents.