Lubricating oil is composed of base oil and additives. The function and effectiveness of lubricating oil are determined by additives, and different additives give lubricating oil different properties. At present, the proportion of base oil in the lubricating oil sold in the market reaches 70% -99%, which determines the basic physical and chemical properties and certain characteristics of the lubricating oil. Although the content of additives is very small, it can play a key role in changing the existing performance of the lubricating oil and endowing it with new performance to meet the normal operation of mechanical equipment.

There are various types of lubricant additives with different functions, which can be divided into antioxidants, pour point depressants, extrusion anti-wear agents, viscosity index improvers, dispersants, cleaning agents, rust inhibitors, anti foaming agents, emulsifiers, anti emulsifiers, etc. according to their functions.

Types and functions of lubricating oil additives

Since 2015, the production and demand of lubricant additives in China have remained relatively stable, showing a slight growth trend. In 2021, China's lubricant additive industry saw a slight decrease in production, reaching 684000 tons, a decrease of 48400 tons compared to 2020; The demand for lubricant additives is 950100 tons, an increase of 1900 tons compared to 2020.

Production and demand of China's lubricant additive industry from 2015 to 2021

In terms of import and export volume, from 2015 to 2021, the overall import and export volume of China's lubricant additive industry showed an increasing trend. In 2021, the import volume of China's lubricant additive industry was 380800 tons, an increase of 58900 tons compared to 2020; The export volume is 114700 tons, an increase of 8600 tons compared to 2020. It is expected that the import and export volume will continue to grow in 2022.

Import and export volume of China's lubricant additive industry from 2017 to 2021

China is the second largest consumer of lubricants, second only to the United States. For the research on lubricating oil additives, China started late and its technology is backward. 90% of the market share is occupied by foreign companies, and China's competitiveness is far inferior to that of foreign countries. With the high-end application of lubricating oil and the continuous improvement of environmental protection requirements, the requirements for additives are becoming increasingly strict. Lubricants and additives are constantly developing towards a green and environmentally friendly direction, while rust inhibitors are gradually moving towards high-performance and multifunctional directions.

Development Trends of Lubricant Additives