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Additives

Additives

Very little un additized mineral oil is sold as a lubricant. almost all commercial lubricant contain additive to enhance their performance in amounts ranging from less than 1% to 25% or more. By far the largest market for such additives is in the transportation field, Including additives for Engines and Divetrains in cars, Trucks, Buses, Locomotives and Ships. The function of additives can be summarized as:

  • Surface Protective Additives Automotive Lubricant
  • Performance Additives Automotive Lubricant
  • Protective Additive Automotive Lubricant

Surface Protective Additives Automotive Lubricant

Additive TypePurposeTypical CompoundsFunctions
Anti wear and EP AgentReduce friction and wear and prevent scoring and seizureZinc dithiophosphates, Organic phosphates, Acid phosphates, Organic sulfur and Chlorine compounds, Sulfurized fats, Sulfides and DisulfidesChemical reaction with metal surface to form a film with lower shear strength than the metal, Thereby preventing metal-to-metal contact.
Corrosion and Rust InhibitorsPrevent corrosion and rusting of metal parts in contact with lubricantZinc dithiophosphates, metal phenolates, Basic metal sulfonates, Fatty acids and aminesPreferential adsorption of polar constitution on metal surface to provide protective film, Or Neutralize corrosive acids
DetergentKeep surface free of depositsMetallo – Organic compounds of sodium, Calcium and Magnesium phenolates, Phosphonates and SulfonatesChemical reaction with sludge and varnish precursors to neutralize them and keep them soluble
DispersantKeep Insoluble contaminants dispersed in the lubricantAlkylsuccinimides, Alkylsuccinic esters and Mannich reaction productsContaminant are bonded by Polar attraction to Dispersant molecules, Prevented from agglomerating and kept in suspension due to solubility dispersant
Friction ModifiersAlter coefficient of frictionOrganic fatty acids and amides, Lard oil, High molecular weight organic phosphorus and Phosphoric acid estersPreferential adsorption of surface active materials

Performance Additives Automotive Lubricant

Additive TypePurposeTypical CompoundsFunctions
Pour point desperssantEnable lubricant to flow at low temperaturesAlkylated naphthalene and Phenolic polymers, Polymethacrylates, Maleate/ Fumerate copolymer estersModify wax crystal formation to reduce interlocking
Seal Swell AgentSwell elastomeric sealsOrganic phophates and aromatic hydrocarbonsChemical reaction with elastomer to cause slight swell
Viscosity ModifiersReduce the rate of viscosity change with temperaturePolymer and Copolymers of olefin, Methacrylates, Dienes or Alkylated styrenesPolymers expand with increasing temperature to counteract oil thinning

Protective Additives Automotive Lubricant

Additive TypePurposeTypical CompoundsFunctions
Antifoam AgentPrevent lubricant from forming a persistent foamSilicone polymers, Organic copolymersReduce surface tension to speed collapse of foam
AntioxidantRetard oxidative decompositionZinc dithiophosphates, Hindered phenols, Sulfurized phenols aromatic aminesDecompose preoxides and terminate free radical reaction
Metal DeactivatorReduce catalytic effect of metals on oxidation rateOrganic complexes containing nitrogen Or Sulfur, Amines, Sulfides and PhosphitesForm inactive film on metal surfaces by complexing with metallic ions