LUBRICANT ADDITIVES
Additives for environmentally friendly lubricants
Srđan Sokolović, MBA, PhD, Business Development Expert, Owner of Sowa Solutions Introduction
Lubricants have a crucial role in efficiently operating engines, machinery, and various mechanical systems. They are most important for reducing friction, preventing wear and tear, and ensuring that industrial equipment runs smoothly and lasts longer [1].
The main types of lubricants include oils, greases, and solid lubricants.
Producing a finished lubricant oil involves the blending of different base oils to obtain the necessary viscosity, as well as the addition of specified additives to ensure that the finished oil has the right properties to provide the intended lubricating ability [2].
The global lubricants market size was valued by Fortune Business Insight at USD 172.13 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth USD 175.52 billion in 2024 and reach USD 205.62 billion by 2032 [3].
packages. Additives represent organic or inorganic chemical substances that are added to the base stock to improve its performance or impart new, desirable properties. In other words, additives strengthen the characteristics of the base stock, increasing its overall performance, reliability, and quality [5].
The primary roles of additives
Additives can constitute up to 30% of the finished lubricant. Primary purpose of the lubricant, type of the machine as well as working environment are one of the main factors that influence type and amount of additive used in final formulation of the lubricant [5]. They also need to seamlessly mix with the base oil and be compatible with other additives used.
Depending on the role they play in the lubricating oil formula, additives can have a variety of functions [5]. Additives such as antioxidants, antifoaming formulas, demulsifying agents, and corrosion inhibitors enhance the existing properties of the base oil, whereas viscosity index improvers and pour-point depressants reduce unwanted features of base oils.
Meanwhile, extreme pressure modifiers, detergents, metal deactivators, and tackiness additives add new characteristics to base oils.
Figure 1: Global Lubricants Market, courtesy of Fortune Business Insight [4] Lubricant additives
As mentioned, lubricants consist of base oil (mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic) and advanced additive
12 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.188 AUGUST 2025
What is also important to keep in mind is that it is often the additive selection that differentiates different lubricant types, such as, among others, engine oils, hydraulic oil, and gear oil.
Each formula requires specific agents to be added, and many factors are taken into account. For example, additives are selected based on their ability to meet certain industry.
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