i) Saponification:- It is the number of milligrams of KOH required to saponify 1 gm of oil.
A good lubricant should have moderate saponification value.
ii) Emulsification:- Certain oils have the tendency to mix with water to form an intermediate & stable mixture called emulsion & the process is known as ‘emulsification.’
The emulsion has the property of absorbing dust particles & the other foreign matter present in the surroundings. The solid particles present in the emulsion cause abrasion of the metals in contact & hence the lubricating action of oil is spoiled. A good lubricant is that which does not form any emulsion & if it is formed, it should not remain for long time & should break quickly. This property of an oil to separate itself, as soon as emulsification is formed, is known as de-emulsification.’ The lubricant should be used in the refined form because in that case, the chances, of emulsion formation would be minimum.