Introduction
Lubricant additives are the key factor that transforms base oils into high-performance engine oils. For blenders, understanding these additives isn’t just technical – it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re formulating PCMOs for modern cars or heavy-duty diesel oils, here’s what really matters.
1. The Additive Trinity: Protection, Performance, Longevity
Every additive package serves three core functions:
A. Protection
- Anti-wear agents (e.g., ZDDP): Form protective films on metal surfaces
- Corrosion inhibitors: Shield against moisture and acidic byproducts
- Detergents: Neutralize combustion acids (especially in HDDO)
B. Performance
- Viscosity modifiers: Maintain oil thickness across temperatures
- Friction modifiers: Improve fuel efficiency (critical for PCMO)
- Pour point depressants: Ensure cold-start flowability
C. Longevity
- Antioxidants: Slow oil breakdown at high temperatures
- Dispersants: Keep soot and sludge suspended
- Anti-foamants: Prevent air entrainment in hydraulic systems
2. The Blender’s Cheat Sheet
| Additive Type | Key Metric | Test Method |
| Anti-wear | Scar diameter (μm) | ASTM D4172 (Four Ball) |
| Detergency | TBN (Total Base Number) | ASTM D2896 |
| Viscosity Stability | Shear Stability Index (%) | ASTM D6278 |
| Oxidation Resistance | TAN Increase (mg KOH/g) | ASTM D943 |
3. Avoid These 5 Blending Mistakes
- Overdosing – More isn’t better; it leads to engine parts breakdown
- Igniting Base Oil Compatibility – Some additives dropout in Group III+ oils
- Mixing Order Matters – Always add single component boosters last to prevent gelation
- Neglecting Storage Conditions – Exposure to direct Heat/humidity degrades additive packages
- Chasing Color/Smell – Color/Smell is not a reliable indicator for Performance
4. PETROLENE’s Pro Tip
“Test new additive/base oil combos in small batches first. A 5-gallon trial can prevent a 5,000-gallon batch failure.”
5. The Future: Low-SAPS and Beyond
With Euro 7/EPA Tier 4 regulations looming :
- Phosphorus limits are dropping below 0.05%
- Ashless antiwear tech (e.g., boron, molybdenum) is rising
- Bio-compatible additives are gaining OEM approvals
Conclusion
Great blending isn’t about recipes – it’s about understanding how additives interact. Master these fundamentals, and you’ll solve problems before they start.
Need help optimizing your formulas?
➡️ Contact PETROLENE’s technical team for formulation support.
