Novel Lubricant Additives in 2025

A special issue of Lubricants (ISSN 2075-4442).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 2393

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
Interests: lubricating materials; chemical synthesis; tribological behaviors; action mechanism and application research studies of lubricating additives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Advanced Lubricating Materials, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
Interests: organic synthesis; lubricating additive; lube oil; grease; nanomaterials; tribological test; tribochemistry; surface and interface chemistry; tribological mechanism; surface characterization; molecular simulation; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lubricant additives are used to reduce friction between moving parts, prevent wear and tear, improve oxidation stability, inhibit corrosion and control foaming. Novel lubricant additives are designed to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of modern industrial applications, automotive systems and other pieces of machinery that require effective lubrication.

This Special Issue aims to share the latest researches in lubricant additives, focusing on the innovation of additive molecules, compositions and synthesis methods, as well as their applications in lubricating materials. We welcome research contributions covering a wide variety of topics, including experimental studies, theoretical discussions and practical application cases, etc.

We look forward to receiving your submissions to promote the development and application of novel lubricant additives, contributing to the progress of lubricating technology.

Dr. Hongmei Yang
Prof. Dr. Jiusheng Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Lubricants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lubricant additive
  • molecular design
  • compound additive
  • synthesis method
  • lubricating applications

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 7219 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Atomic Metal Conditioner Additive with Surface Revitalizer on the Lubricating Properties of Engine Oil
by Ruslans Smigins, Audrius Žunda, Albinas Andriušis, Çağla Gizem Acar and Simona Tučkutė
Lubricants 2025, 13(7), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13070284 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 77
Abstract
The development of multifunctional lubricant additives is critical for enhancing the performance and longevity of internal combustion engines. This study investigates the influence of oil additive, containing an atomic metal conditioner (AMC), a two-dimensional sliding agent, and a patented revitalizer on lubricating properties [...] Read more.
The development of multifunctional lubricant additives is critical for enhancing the performance and longevity of internal combustion engines. This study investigates the influence of oil additive, containing an atomic metal conditioner (AMC), a two-dimensional sliding agent, and a patented revitalizer on lubricating properties of engine oil 5W-30 and on surface wear characteristics. The experimental testing involved comparative tribological evaluation using the 4-ball test. Pure commercial engine oil (PEO) 5W-30 and oil mixed with the revitalizer additive (OMA) were used. The changes in friction torque (FTq), temperature, and wear scars were analyzed. FTq evolution showed a distinct behavior across the different test cases: PEO exhibited fluctuating FTq in the initial minute and thereafter, but its value was lower, and the wear scars were smaller compared to OMA. Long-duration tests revealed that OMA resulted in significantly larger wear scars, large FTq values, and less variations emerging later in the test. When switching from PEO (1 h) to OMA (1 h) mid-test, the wear increased compared to 2 h PEO. Across all conditions, oil temperature had a strong relationship with FTq. Although some frictional improvements were observed, no definitive evidence of revitalizer-induced surface regeneration was detected, suggesting adhesive wear remained predominant under the studied conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Lubricant Additives in 2025)
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12 pages, 1944 KiB  
Article
Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid as an Additive for Friction Reduction in Full-Film EHD Contacts: The Role of Functional Group, Base Oil Polarity, Additive Concentration and Contact Pressure
by Marko Polajnar, Tomaž Požar and Mitjan Kalin
Lubricants 2025, 13(6), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13060263 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Perfluorinated tetradecanoic acid was added as an additive to a base oil and tested under full film elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contact conditions between a steel ball and a steel disc. By varying key performance parameters, we aimed to assess the feasibility and limitations of [...] Read more.
Perfluorinated tetradecanoic acid was added as an additive to a base oil and tested under full film elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contact conditions between a steel ball and a steel disc. By varying key performance parameters, we aimed to assess the feasibility and limitations of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in reducing friction in lubricated contacts. The results demonstrate that the tested perfluorinated additive is effective in reducing friction when blended with a non-polar synthetic poly-alpha-olefin oil. However, no significant friction reduction was observed when the same additive was used in a slightly polar synthetic ester. The carboxylic acid functional group plays a crucial role in the observed friction-reducing effect. Adjusting the additive concentration further plays an important role in reducing friction. A concentration of at least 0.35 wt.% is required to achieve a notable friction reduction of approximately 10%. Increasing the concentration beyond this threshold continues to improve the friction-reducing effect. Conversely, increasing the contact pressure has a detrimental impact on friction reduction. The greatest reduction in friction—over 20% compared to the base oil—was achieved at the lowest contact pressure tested (0.69 GPa). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Lubricant Additives in 2025)
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19 pages, 9858 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Tribological Performance of Melamine Long-Chain Alcohol Esters in High-Temperature Boundary Lubrication
by Jingchun Zhang, Wenjing Hu and Jiusheng Li
Lubricants 2025, 13(3), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13030114 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 707
Abstract
The requirement to improve energy efficiency is constantly driving the development of high-performance and eco-friendly friction modifiers (FMs). Herein, two innovative sulfur- and phosphorus-free melamine long-chain alcohol esters (Dodec-EG-CC and Dodec-CC) are reported as novel organic friction modifiers (OFMs). Over a wide temperature [...] Read more.
The requirement to improve energy efficiency is constantly driving the development of high-performance and eco-friendly friction modifiers (FMs). Herein, two innovative sulfur- and phosphorus-free melamine long-chain alcohol esters (Dodec-EG-CC and Dodec-CC) are reported as novel organic friction modifiers (OFMs). Over a wide temperature range of 100 °C to 200 °C, the synthesized melamine long-chain alcohol esters, which have exceptional thermal stability, dramatically lessen wear and friction of PAO4 base oil. Dodec-EG-CC particularly reduces friction by up to 50% and wear rate by approximately 92% within this temperature range. Detailed studies of the tribological properties at elevated temperatures demonstrate that the synergistic effect of the melamine structural unit coupled with ester groups significantly enhances adsorption properties of additives on metal surfaces, improving adsorption strength and lubricating film stability. The adsorption of additives on the metal surfaces is further confirmed by surface analysis and adsorption energy calculation, which serve as a key parameter for characterizing the binding strength between molecules and surfaces. These findings demonstrate the potential of the designed triazine-based derivatives, especially Dodec-EG-CC, as OFMs in effectively reducing friction losses in motor vehicle engines. This highlights their significant potential for industrial applications in improving energy efficiency and extending engine lifespan. These in-depth studies not only provide valuable insights for the molecular structure design of OFMs, but also advances the development of sustainable lubrication technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Lubricant Additives in 2025)
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17 pages, 10802 KiB  
Article
Low Brine Shrimp Bio-Toxicity Marine Lubricating Hydraulic Fluid with Ultra-Low Friction Coefficient and Enhanced Frictional Heat Suppression
by Wei Li, Huanyi Chen, Long Chen, Shanqin Ge, Qingzhao Cai, Genxiang Gong, Jinhong Yu, Kazuhito Nishimura, Nan Jiang and Tao Cai
Lubricants 2025, 13(3), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13030103 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 783
Abstract
Hydraulic technology has been instrumental in the extensive application of offshore mechanical equipment, particularly in drilling platforms and ships, where high-performance hydraulic fluids are essential for safe and efficient operations. Addressing the urgent need for water-based hydraulic fluids as an alternative to traditional [...] Read more.
Hydraulic technology has been instrumental in the extensive application of offshore mechanical equipment, particularly in drilling platforms and ships, where high-performance hydraulic fluids are essential for safe and efficient operations. Addressing the urgent need for water-based hydraulic fluids as an alternative to traditional oil-based fluids, this study introduces a novel water-based hydraulic fluid fortified with phytic acid, derived from plant seeds, to achieve low biotoxicity, low coefficient of friction, and reduced frictional heat generation. The integration of phytic acid has significantly enhanced the lubricating performance, reducing the average coefficient of friction to as low as 0.013, as tested by the four-ball tester, which is the lowest value reported to date. Real-time monitoring of the temperature rise of the friction testing apparatus using an infrared thermal imager revealed a 78.6% reduction in temperature increase. Acute toxicity assays using Brine Shrimp demonstrated that the 96 h LC50 value for the water–glycol flame-resistant hydraulic fluid with added phytic acid exceeded 26,304 mg/L, indicating low toxicity. Characterization analyses elucidated the mechanisms underlying the improved tribological properties, highlighting the potential of this eco-friendly fluid for safe and efficient offshore operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Lubricant Additives in 2025)
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