Applications Applications Applications Applications

Lube Additives Applications

Lube Additives for Engine Oil

Overview:

Combustion-driven environments expose lubricants to high temperatures, fuel/soot contamination, and catalytic surfaces. Without robust additive systems, oxidation, sludge/varnish formation, wear, and acid build-up quickly compromise engine durability and fuel economy. 

Why an additive package is required:

  • Control oxidation and nitration at elevated bulk and ring-zone temperatures to prevent viscosity increase and varnish. 
  • Disperse soot and insolubles to avoid sludge, ring sticking, and filter plugging. 
  • Provide boundary protection (cam/follower, rings, bearings) under mixed/boundary regimes, including start–stop and high-load events. 
  • Protect non-ferrous metals and aftertreatment (copper passivation, catalyst compatibility, low-SAPS where required). 

Typical additive families employed:

Antioxidants (amine/phenolic), AW/EP (e.g., ZDDP within phosphorus limits), detergents (overbased sulfonates/phenates), dispersants (succinimide/ester), friction modifiers (organic molybdenum/OFMs), anti-foam, corrosion/metal deactivators (triazoles), pour point depressants and VI improvers as needed. 

Indicative performance tests:

Noack volatility (ASTM D5800), HTHS viscosity (ASTM D4683), CCS/MRV (ASTM D5293/D4684), TEOST (ASTM D6335), copper corrosion (ASTM D130), foam (ASTM D892), RPVOT (ASTM D2272) for oxidation screening, TBN/TAN (ASTM D2896/D664). 

Recommended PX Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3823
Dispersant/Detergent
Dosage not specified
PX 3841
Anti-foamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 3849
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.5 – 1.0 Marine
PX 3847
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.5 – 1.0 Marine
PX 3822
Dispersant Detergent
2.0 – 10.0
PX 4005
Dispersant
5.0 – 15.0
PX 4006
Dispersant + Lubricity
2.0 – 15.0

Lube Additives for Automotive/Truck Gear Oils

Overview:

Hypoid and heavy-duty gear sets operate with high sliding and Hertzian contact stresses, demanding EP performance and thermal robustness to prevent scuffing, pitting, and micropitting.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Provide EP film-forming chemistry to prevent welding/scuffing under shock loads. 
  • Mitigate micropitting and wear in boundary/mixed regimes. 
  • Control foaming and air entrainment for reliable sump lubrication and cooling. 
  • Protect copper alloys (synchronizers, bushings) and resist oxidation. 

Typical additive families employed:

Sulfur–phosphorus EP packages, AW agents, friction modifiers (for synchronized transmissions), antioxidants, anti-foam, corrosion inhibitors/metal deactivators, demulsifiers. 

Indicative performance tests:

FZG scuffing/micropitting (ISO 14635/ISO 15144), 4-ball EP/wear (ASTM D2783/D4172), copper corrosion (ASTM D130), foam (ASTM D892), demulsibility (ASTM D1401). 

Recommended PX Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3823
Dispersant/Detergent
0.5 – 2.0
PX 3825
Friction Modifier
0.1 – 1.5
PX 3841
Anti-foamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 3849
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3846
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3862
Corrosion Passivator
0.1 – 0.5
PX 3871
Friction modifier Grease Thickener
0.3 – 1.5
PX 3872
Friction modifier Grease Thickener
0.3 – 1.5
PX 4005
Dispersant
1.0 – 2.0
PX 4006
Dispersant + Lubricity
1.0 – 2.0

Lube Additives for Natural Gas Engine Oils (NGEO)

Overview:

Spark-ignited gas engines experience high oxidation and nitration with lean burn conditions; low-ash requirements protect combustion hardware and aftertreatment. 

Why an additive package is required:

  • Suppress oxidation/nitration to maintain viscosity and prevent varnish on hot surfaces. 
  • Provide deposit control and ash management to avoid pre-ignition and valve recession. 
  • Neutralize acids from combustion byproducts; maintain base reserve across extended drains. 

Typical additive families employed:

Antioxidants (high-temperature), low-/medium-ash detergents (overbased), ashless dispersants, AW, anti-foam, metal deactivators; gas-engine-specific detergency packages. 

Indicative performance tests:

RPVOT (ASTM D2272), TBN/TAN (ASTM D2896/D664), FTIR nitration/oxidation, deposit tests (TEOST), copper corrosion (ASTM D130). 

Recommended PX Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3811
Oxidation Inhibitor
1.0 – 4.0
PX 3806
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3807
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3841
Anti-foamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 4005
Dispersant
2.0 – 10.0
PX 4006
Dispersant + Lubricity
2.0 – 10.0

Lube Additives for Jet Turbine Oils

Overview:

Aviation turbines (often ester-based fluids) require exceptional thermal/oxidative stability and deposit control under high bulk and skin temperatures.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Prevent coking and lacquer in bearings and scavenge lines under severe heat soak-back. 
  • Control foam and air release to maintain stable lubrication and cooling. 
  • Provide corrosion protection for ferrous and non-ferrous components. 

Typical additive families employed:

High-performance antioxidants (amine/phenolic), metal deactivators (triazoles), anti-foam, rust/corrosion inhibitors; deposit-control synergists compatible with synthetic esters. 

Indicative performance tests:

JFTOT (ASTM D3241) for deposit tendency, RPVOT (ASTM D2272), foam (ASTM D892), copper corrosion (ASTM D130), air release (ASTM D3427). 

Recommended PX Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3806
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3807
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0

Lube Additives for Industrial Gear Oils

Overview:

Industrial gearboxes face high loads, water ingress, and particulate contamination; additive resilience is critical for long drains and reliability.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Deliver EP/antiwear protection against scuffing and micropitting. 
  • Provide rust and yellow-metal protection in wet or corrosive environments. 
  • Ensure foam control, air release, and water separation for stable film thickness and cooling. 

Typical additive families employed:

Sulfur–phosphorus EP, AW boosters (including phosphorus/boron chemistries), antioxidants, demulsifiers, anti-foam, corrosion inhibitors/metal deactivators.

Indicative performance tests:

FZG (ISO 14635), demulsibility (ASTM D1401), foam (ASTM D892), rust (ASTM D665 A/B), copper corrosion (ASTM D130), micropitting (ISO 15144).

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3237
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3841
Anti-foamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 3849
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.1 – 0.4
PX 3846
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.1 – 0.4
PX 3862
Corrosion Passivator
0.1 – 0.5

Lube Additives for Hydraulic Fluids

Overview:

Hydraulic systems depend on precise valve clearances and pump protection; varnish, aeration, and wear rapidly degrade control accuracy and efficiency.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Provide AW protection (vane/piston/gear pumps) and reduce wear in boundary contacts. 
  • Inhibit oxidation and varnish to maintain servo-valve responsiveness. 
  • Control foam and air release; ensure water separation and filterability. 

Typical additive families employed:

AW packages (zinc or ashless), antioxidants, anti-foam, rust inhibitors, demulsifiers, metal deactivators; cleanliness/varnish-control additives as needed. 

Indicative performance tests:

Vane pump wear (ASTM D2882), oxidation life (TOST ASTM D943), foam (ASTM D892), air release (ASTM D3427), demulsibility (ASTM D1401), filterability (ISO 13357), rust (ASTM D665). 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3827
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3806
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3807
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3843
Demulsifier & Defoamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 4005
Dispersant
1.0 – 3.0

Lube Additives for Compressor Oils

Overview:

Rotary screw, reciprocating, and centrifugal compressors generate significant heat and air–oil interfacial area, promoting oxidation and deposit formation.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Suppress oxidation and inhibit varnish to prevent rotor/valve sticking and heat exchanger fouling. 
  • Control foam and air release for stable compression efficiency. 
  • Provide rust and corrosion protection during intermittent service and condensate exposure. 

Typical additive families employed:

Antioxidants (amine/phenolic), AW agents where required, anti-foam, rust/corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators; demulsifiers for water separation. 

Indicative performance tests:

RPVOT (ASTM D2272), TOST (ASTM D943) for mineral systems, foam (ASTM D892), air release (ASTM D3427), rust (ASTM D665), deposit tendency (varnish/patch colorimetry). 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3811
Oxidation Inhibitor
1.0 – 4.0
PX 3806
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3807
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3843
Demulsifier & Defoamant
0.05 – 0.30
PX 4005
Dispersant
1.0 – 3.0

Lube Additives for Slideway/Way Oils

Overview:

Machine tool slideways require low stick–slip and predictable friction to preserve positioning accuracy under mixed lubrication with coolant contamination.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Adjust friction to eliminate chatter and stick–slip at low speeds. 
  • Provide AW/EP film strength under boundary contact and stop–start motion. 
  • Resist emulsification with water-based coolants while protecting against rust and staining. 

Typical additive families employed:

Friction modifiers (boundary-layer control), AW/EP, tackifiers for adhesion, corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers and anti-foam tailored for coolant environments. 

Indicative performance tests:

OEM slideway friction/stick–slip evaluations (e.g., Cincinnati Machine), demulsibility (ASTM D1401), rust (ASTM D665), foam (ASTM D892). 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3845
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.25 – 1.25
PX 3863
Corrosion Passivator
0.25 – 1.25

Lube Additives for Circulating Oils

Overview:

Large circulating systems (paper machines, turbines, bearings) demand long-life oxidation stability, rapid air release, and water shedding to sustain film thickness and cleanliness.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Prevent oxidation/varnish that fouls narrow clearances and controls. 
  • Ensure rapid air release and low foaming to avoid cavitation and film collapse. 
  • Provide rust protection and excellent demulsibility for reliability under water ingress. 

Typical additive families employed:

Antioxidants, rust inhibitors, demulsifiers, anti-foam; metal deactivators where copper alloys are present. 

Indicative performance tests:

TOST (ASTM D943), RPVOT (ASTM D2272), air release (ASTM D3427), foam (ASTM D892), demulsibility (ASTM D1401), rust (ASTM D665). 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3827
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3806
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3807
Premium antioxidant
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3863
Corrosion Passivator
0.25 – 1.0

Lube Additives for Greases

Overview:

Greases must retain structure while providing EP/antiwear protection and corrosion resistance under contamination, vibration, and wide temperature ranges.

Why an additive package is required:

  • Deliver EP/antiwear performance under shock and oscillatory motion. 
  • Resist oxidation of the base oil and protect against rust in wet environments. 
  • Enhance mechanical stability and adhesion to reduce leakage and washout. 

Typical additive families employed:

EP (sulfur–phosphorus, solid lubricants where appropriate), AW, antioxidants, rust/corrosion inhibitors, tackifiers, anti-foam; metal deactivators for copper-bearing components. 

Indicative performance tests:

4-ball wear/EP (ASTM D2266/D2596), copper corrosion (ASTM D4048), water washout (ASTM D1264), dropping point (ASTM D2265), EMCOR rust (ISO 11007). 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3827
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3849
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.2 – 1.0
PX 3846
Extreme Pressure/Antiwear
0.2 – 1.0
PX 3861
Rust inhibitor
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3864
Rust inhibitor
0.25 – 1 1.5
PX 3865
Rust inhibitor
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3871
Friction modifier Grease Thickener
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3872
Friction modifier Grease Thickener
0.5 – 1.5
PX 3822
Dispersant Detergent
1.0 – 5.0
PX 4005
Dispersant
1.0 – 5.0

Lube Additives for Metal Removal Fluids (Cutting/Grinding)

Overview:

Severe boundary conditions at the tool–workpiece interface generate heat and adhesive wear; lubricity and EP chemistry are needed to prevent welding and extend tool life. 

Why an additive package is required:

  • Reduce friction and cutting forces to improve surface finish and dimensional control. 
  • Provide EP chemistry to prevent seizure/welding under high contact stresses. 
  • Control foam and corrosion (especially for ferrous and yellow metals) and maintain cleanliness with tramp oil/coolant systems. 

Typical additive families employed:

Friction modifiers/ester lubricity agents, sulfurized/phosphorus EP chemistries (chlorinated chemistries are often restricted), corrosion inhibitors, defoamers, biocide packages for waterborne systems. 

Indicative performance tests:

Falex pin & vee block (ASTM D3233), 4-ball EP (ASTM D2783), tapping torque, foam (ASTM D892), copper strip corrosion (ASTM D130), staining tests per OEM/customer methods. 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3827
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3812
Friction Modifier
1.0 – 3.0
PX 3823
Dispersant/Detergent
dosage not specified
PX 3830
Emulsifier
dosage not specified
PX 3861
Rust inhibitor
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3864
Rust inhibitor
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3822
Dispersant Detergent
1.0 – 5.0

Lube Additives for Metal Forming Lubricants

Overview:

Drawing, stamping, rolling, and forging impose extreme pressures and sliding. Boundary-lubrication additives are essential to prevent scoring and achieve target draw ratios. 

Why an additive package is required:

  • Provide EP/antiwear films that survive extreme pressure and temperature spikes. 
  • Reduce friction to enable deeper draws and minimize die wear and galling. 
  • Offer corrosion protection between stages and ease post-process cleaning. 

Typical additive families employed:

Sulfurized/phosphorus EP agents, polymeric/ester lubricity improvers, solid lubricants where applicable, corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers for water-dilutable systems. 

Indicative performance tests:

Cup drawing/limiting draw ratio, 4-ball EP/wear (ASTM D2783/D4172), Falex (ASTM D3233), staining/corrosion per substrate, residue/cleanability evaluations. 

Recommended Products:

Product
Function
Dosage
PX 3239
Copper Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3827
Silver Deactivator
0.02 – 0.05
PX 3823
Dispersant/Detergent
dosage not specified
PX 3830
Emulsifier
dosage not specified
PX 3861
Rust inhibitor
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3864
Rust inhibitor
0.05 – 1.0
PX 3822
Dispersant Detergent
1.0 – 5.0
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