Additives in Motor Oils

Motor oils always comprise a basic oil and several additives or active ingredients that supplement the properties of the basic oil or lend new ones.

The additives are oil-soluble additives or active ingredients that are added to the concerned basic oils. They change or improve the properties of the lubricants through their chemical and/or physical effect.

There are also additives that have even more effects and improvements.

Additives – An Overview

• Elements often found in oil (Which element originates from where?)
• Detergents and dispersers
• Antioxidants (oxidation inhibitors)
• Anti-wear additives
• Corrosion inhibitors
• High-pressure additives
• Viscosity index and pourpoint improver
• Anti-foam additive
• Friction modifier
• Density stability improver
• Special additives (do-it-yourself)
• The additive content can be most precisely determined through spectrometric analyses.
• The sulphate ash is suitable for giving a basic overview of the entire additive.

Additives with Chemical Effects

• Detergents and dispersers
• Antioxidants (oxidation inhibitors)
• Anti-wear additives
• Corrosion inhibitors
• High-pressure additives

Additives with Physical Effects

• Viscosity index and pourpoint improver
• Anti-foam additive
• Friction modifier

Other

• Density stability improver
• Special additives (do-it-yourself)

Identification

• The additive content can be most precisely determined through spectrometric analyses.
• The sulphate ash is suitable for giving a basic overview of the entire additive.