The Significance of Lubricant Additives
Lubricants have been used by humans for centuries. Natural and synthetic lubricants have made it possible for everything from wheel-axle bearings to automobile motors to run smoothly. Different lubricants (base oils) are needed for different parts of today’s increasingly complex machinery. Consequently, these lubricants need additives, especially in industrial applications.
Lubricant Additives’ Roles
Additives are inorganic or organic components designed to enhance particular characteristics of base stock under various operating circumstances. These include varieties designed to offer or improve the anti-friction, chemical, and physical qualities.
A lubricant’s pour point may be lowered by additives. Additionally, they can:
When using the lubricant at high temperatures, keep it from losing its viscosity.
serve as deactivators of metals
The additives work to extend the life of the machinery while also improving the lubricant’s performance.
Different applications call for different additives. Detergents, anti-wear additives, friction modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, viscosity index enhancers, and more are examples of additives.
Do Lubricant Additives Matter?
Ask anyone who uses any kind of high-tech machinery why lubricant additives are necessary. The equipment that needs it will determine how simple or complex the answer is. Any lubricant cannot carry out its required, if not vital, function without additives. Without this crucial addition, the machinery will suffer. Excessive wear and tear, increased oxidation, degradation, and the equipment’s inability to function at its best are possible outcomes.
What Takes Place When Additives Are Not Used?
Increased oil breakdown speed
Buildup of sludge and varnish
Enhanced friction and wear
Shorter service life and equipment failure
Inadequate performance in hot or cold conditions
Typically, when we discuss lubricants, we consider their ability to lubricate, cool, clean, and seal. Nevertheless, additives are frequently needed to accomplish these tasks.
Additive Types
Antioxidants, anti-wear agents, extreme pressure agents, pour point depressants, and emulsifiers are the primary categories into which lubricating oil additives fall. Phosphorus compounds and sulphide esters are common antiwear agents. Compounds containing nitrogen, chlorine, sulphur, phosphorus, and other elements are examples of common extreme pressure agents.
Pour point depressant: This substance lowers the viscosity of lubricating oil, preserving its fluidity in low-temperature settings. Esters and polymers of long chain fatty acids are common pour point depressants.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers enable water to combine with the lubricant to create a stable emulsion that improves the oil’s cleaning and cooling properties. Polymers and nonionic surfactants are examples of common emulsifiers.
