SPECIAL REPORT
TECH BEAT
By Dr. Neil Canter
Contributing Editor
Multifunctional additives:
Provide flexibility to formulators
Additives that can impart more than one
function to a lubricant may reduce development
time and enhance performance.
A wide range of additives are available to
be selected by a formulator for a specific
lubricant application. In some cases, there
is a need to work with a large number of
additives because the operating conditions
are complex. One example is a metalwork-
ing fluid where each usage is unique, and
issues such as microbial contamination,
hard water and foaming must be dealt
with in addition to the fluid having the
necessary components to perform the
machining operation.
In today’s challenging competitive
environment, formulators do not always
have the time to carefully develop a spe-
cific lubricant for a particular application.
Multifunctional additives and additive
packages may then be an option to assist
in reducing development time and helping
formulators work with additives that can
provide several beneficial characteristics
to their products.
An added factor is using the right
base stock with a specific multifunctional
additive or additive package. The base
stock may impart the needed solvency
HIGHLIGHTS and elastomer compatibility to enable the
multifunctional additive to provide the
benefits needed for the lubricant to accom-
A multifunctional additive is a component that can impart more than one function to
improve the performance properties of a lubricant. As part of its characteristics, a plish its task.
multifunctional additive can act synergistically when used in combination with other This article provides input from the fol-
additives. lowing individuals on multifunctional ad-
ditives and additive packages that spans
An additive package is a combination of multiple components that can provide one automotive and industrial applications.
(or more) performance attributes to a finished lubricant. When blended into an
appropriate base oil, the finished lubricant may be able to meet general industry 1. Gerardo Alvarez, Afton Chemical
lubricant specifications and/or specific OEM specifications. 2. Dr. Michael Driver, Chevron Oronite
There are a wide range of multifunctional additives that impart different properties 3. Dr. Pritesh Patel, Chevron Oronite
to lubricants used in most of the main applications. 4. Dr. Justin Langston, Evonik Oil
Additives USA
Future use of multifunctional additives may grow in response to environmental,
health and safety standards and the growth of environmentally friendly lubricants, 5. Dr. Erik Willett, Functional Products Inc.
yet new regulations may also restrict the use of some of them in the future. 6. Jim Grabarz, King Industries
7. Dr. Annette Loos, LANXESS Corp.
14 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
8. Dr. Steffen Sandhöfner, LANXESS Corp. of modern equipment. Multifunctional lubricant formulation. A good example of a
9. Dr. Gareth Fish, Lubrizol additives are needed to assist formulators multifunctional additive is a ZnDTP mole-
with developing products that promote cule. It provides both antiwear protection
10. Glenn Mazzamaro, Vanderbilt Chemicals
performance, efficiency and durability.” and oxidation inhibition in many lubricant
Definition of a multifunctional additive Dr. Annette Loos, application technolo- formulations. Another example is a mo-
STLE member Dr. Erik Willett, president gist for LANXESS Corp. in Mannheim, Ger- lybdenum-based additive, which delivers
of Functional Products Inc. in Macedonia, many, says, “Lubricant additives typically friction modification benefits while also
Ohio, makes an analogy of additives to the serve one primary function per substance, contributing to oxidation protection.”
positions on a U.S. baseball team. He says, but they often exhibit beneficial secondary STLE member Glenn Mazzamaro, vice
“Each of the players on a baseball team properties. However, addressing more president, petroleum additives, for Van-
have a position that performs different complex requirements necessitates a derbilt Chemicals in Norwalk, Conn., says,
tasks whether the individual is in the carefully balanced combination of multiple “A multifunctional additive is a component
infield, outfield or is the designated hitter. active ingredients, as no single additive that performs more than one performance
These functions can have an individual can cover all needs.” function, e.g., antioxidant, antiwear agent,
fielding a specific position or hitting from a friction modifier, corrosion inhibitor, etc.”
‘A multifunctional additive
specific side of home plate. Multifunction-
ality comes into play when the individual
is one raw material in the Additive package
hits from both sides of home plate, which formulation which has Grabarz considers a lubricant additive
package to be a blend of chemical sub-
is known as switch hitting.” the function of improving
stances added to base oils or greases to
Willett continues, “A multifunctional several properties.’ enhance their performance and proper-
additive is one raw material in the formu-
Dr. Michael Driver, manager, compo- ties. He says, “Additive packages are used
lation which has the function of improving
nent development and fundamentals for because they have already been tailored
several properties. Examples may include
Chevron Oronite in Richmond, Calif., says, to contain a well-balanced composition of
providing antiwear, mild extreme pressure
“A multifunctional additive for lubricants individual additives needed for different
(EP) and some antioxidant performance as
is a chemical component or ingredient functions crucial to specific applications.”
well as acting synergistically when used in
that not only performs its primary function Alvarez states that a lubricant additive
combination with other components.”
but also offers additional performance package is a blend of multiple additive
STLE Fellow and Certified Lubrica-
benefits. For example, if an additive components, each contributing one or more
tion Specialist™ (CLS) Dr. Gareth Fish,
component’s main purpose is to reduce specific performance attributes. Together
Technical Fellow at Lubrizol in Wickliffe,
friction, it might also help prevent corro- they deliver the desired overall performance
Ohio, says, “The classic example of a
sion or improve wear performance. One characteristics to the finished lubricant. He
multifunctional additive is zinc dithio-
other example includes a component that adds, “In the lubricant industry, each addi-
phosphates (ZnDTP). According to Hugh
provides both cleanliness performance tive component is often referred to by its
Spikes,1 this additive type was developed
and contains a basic functionality that specific function—for example, detergents,
in the 1940s and functions as antioxidants
neutralizes acids during combustion. Use dispersants, rust inhibitor, demulsifier,
and antiwear additives. Most of the metal
of a multifunctional additive may reduce emulsifier, friction modifier and antioxidant.
dithiophosphates function as antioxidants
or eliminate the need for other additives A lubricant additive package is carefully
in addition to offering antiwear. Other
required to perform additional functions.” formulated to remain stable in solution over
additives perform different multifunction-
STLE member Jim Grabarz, sales and time, ensuring that all components work
al roles such as dithiocarbamates (DTC,
product manager for King Industries in synergistically, and avoid negative interac-
antioxidant and enhanced load carrying),
Norwalk, Conn., says, “A multifunctional tion while delivering the intended perfor-
and amine phosphates (act as antiwear
lubricant additive is a chemical compo- mance in the finished lubricant.”
additives and rust inhibitors).”
nent that is added to a base fluid or grease An additive package is a stable blend
STLE member Dr. Justin Langston,
used to enhance performance and/or of several additive components which,
technical service department manager,
chemical/physical properties simulta- when blended into an appropriate base oil
Lubricant Additives, for Evonik Oil Additives
neously. In some cases, multifunctional or base oil blend, meets the performance
USA in Allentown, Pa., cites the publication,
additives are blends of specific chemical requirements of certain general industry
“Lubricant Additives” edited by Rudnick.2
components that improve multiple lubri- lubricant specifications and/or specific
He says, “Multifunctional additives are
cant properties.” original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
defined as those that ‘combined properties
Gerardo Alvarez, marketing director – specifications, according to Mazzamaro.
of antioxidancy, antiwear and to some ex-
Americas for Afton Chemical in Richmond, He says, “These additive components can
tent dispersancy.’ But today’s formulators
Va., says, “A multifunctional additive is a be multifunctional or not. Multifunctional
require additives that can exhibit more than
single chemical component that delivers additive components may help to reduce
these three areas to meet the demands
more than one performance benefit to a the overall formulation cost.”
[Link] TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY SEPTEMBER 2025 • 15
TECH BEAT
Dr. Pritesh Patel, manager, senior
manager, global automotive/viscosity
modifier/small engine technology for
Chevron Oronite, indicates that selection of
an additive package is dependent upon the
desired applications and specified require-
ment of the lubricant for a particular ap-
plication. He says, “Engine oils are a good
example because they must meet diverse
performance requirements determined
by industry specifications such as ILSAC
GF-7 for passenger car lubricants and the
corresponding CK-4 specification for heavy
duty applications. Often an OEM imposes
additional performance criteria in the form
of specific engine, rig or bench tests for
their own equipment to help ensure the
best performance of the lubricant.”
Patel continues, “If the additive
package can meet the basic requirements,
and simultaneously exceed performance
in certain areas, it can be considered
meeting multifunctional requirements.
Essentially, this means the package not
only performs its primary function but
also provides additional benefits, making
it more effective.” Figure 1. A modified four-ball wear procedure determined that synergistic combinations of additives
S and two variations of E (E1 and E2) functioned not only to reduce wear but as friction modifiers.
Dr. Fish gives an example of an addi-
Figure courtesy of Functional Products.
tive package that offers multifunctional
benefits. He says, “A simple industrial
Dr. Steffen Sandhöfner, senior manag- to meet their specific needs. The result is
circulating oil contains an additive pack-
er applications technology for LANXESS the formulator can benefit from an accel-
age consisting of an antioxidant and a rust
Corp. in Mannheim, Germany, indicates that erated development cycle that mitigates
inhibitor. Such a package will be described
additive packages can shorten the product much of the risk (i.e., wasted time and
as an R&O (rust and oxidation) offering
development process for formulators. He research and design [R&D] costs).”
protection against both degradation
says, “Each industrial lubricant application
mechanisms.” Determination of multifunctionality
has specific mechanical and chemical re-
Dr. Fish cites the functions of compo- Dr. Fish uses the example of a commercial
quirements. To offer customized solutions,
nents typically used in crankcase engine vehicle or passenger car engine oil to indi-
formulators can use a specific additive
oils. He says, “Overbased detergents are cate that multiple tests must be conducted
package to minimize development time
needed to neutralize combustion acids and to verify the multifunctionality of an additive
that meets the multifunctional solutions re-
keep pistons clean, dispersants control package. He says, “Industry standardized
quired for a specific lubricant application.”
soot, an antioxidant(s) prevents degrada- tests that look at valve train wear, piston
Willett characterizes an additive pack-
tion and antiwear additives reduce wear cleanliness, rust, corrosion and other salient
age as a distillation of different additives
in components such a piston rings, and features of a specific engine oil specification
that are found to be useful when used in
liners and valve train components.” must be carried out. No single additive can
certain combinations and are able to be
Langston says, “Formulators of addi- pass all of these requirements. A skilled
put into one concentrate. He says, “The
tive packages take special care to balance formulator would look at the requirements
preparation of an additive package en-
antagonistic and synergistic effects so of the specification and application and, cou-
ables the raw material supplier to do the
that lubricant formulations can meet pled with the viscometrics of the lubricant,
homework and in-depth technical testing
performance requirements set by industry put together a multifunctional package to
that will validate its performance across
standards, and OEM specifications. These meet the requirements.”
a wide range of formulation types. This
standards usually cover many areas of For an EP lubricating grease, Dr. Fish
makes it more convenient for small or
performance including, for example, drain contends that besides evaluating basic
mid-sized formulators to spend extra time
intervals, equipment protection, produc- grease characteristics such as rust and
or expense in using the additive package
tivity and efficiency.”
16 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
corrosion protection, wear and load carry- components in a formulation, it is deemed tion of several characteristics such as
ing testing will need to be done to ensure multifunctional. For example, let’s hypo- antiwear, corrosion inhibition, antioxidant.
that the lubricant has multifunctional thetically develop a new additive desig- EP, antifoaming and pour point depres-
characteristics.” nated as Additive A” to replace Additive A. sion. She says, “An additive package that
Willett cautions that many of the By conducting testing, Additive A” is found combines multiple additives is a desirable
available additives used to boost lubricant to reduce the amount of another additive, option to ensure comprehensive pro-
performance are surface active and will Additive B, in a formulation. Assuming Ad- tection and performance enhancement
compete with each other to determine ditive A” and B perform different functions; covering all required functions needed for
which specific one is most effective. He this observation suggests that Additive A” a lubricant in a specific application.”
says, “If only one type of additive is at the exhibits multifunctional properties.”
surface, then it truly must be providing Patel states that selecting a multifunc- Lubricant applications needing
performance in multiple areas of wear and tional component for an additive package multifunctional additives and packages
corrosion by itself to perform competitive- or finished lubricant is part of a formation Langston states that driveline lubricants
ly. If not, this monofunctional component design and development. represent one application where multifunc-
will hinder the proper use of other compo- tional additives can provide more than one
nents in the formulation and lead to failure A lubricant additive package beneficial characteristic. He says, “Additives
in one or more areas of performance.” is a blend of multiple are available that impart both shear-stable
Willett also maintains that while multi- additive components, thickening and excellent low temperature
performance to driveline lubricants. Use
functionality can be beneficial, it is not al- each contributing one or
ways desirable. He explains, “Sometimes of a VII in the right application can lead to
more specific performance dispersancy and solvency benefits.”
a formulation under specific circumstanc-
attributes. Langston also points out that the right
es or with a non-standard base fluid may
require a light touch-up on foaming or Besides testing, Grabarz reveals that type of high-viscosity base stock with
corrosion. In those cases, the most useful identification of a multifunctional additive balanced solvency will promote additive
additive is one that can be added tactically can be done by reviewing the product de- stability and elastomer compatibility. He
without affecting the other properties of scription and its intended applications. He says, “This base stock has a dispersancy
the formulation.” says, “Examine the list of benefits of using functionality that contributes to a favor-
An example in determining if a specific a particular additive and look for terms able frictional profile and a reduction of
additive combination is multifunctional such as multifunctional, package, or blend. sludge and varnish.”
originates from a study using a modifi- If the description lists several benefits, Alvarez discusses additives for pas-
cation of the four-ball wear procedure such as antiwear, anticorrosion, antioxi- senger car motor oil (PCMO) applications,
(ASTM D4172). A series of potential dant, etc., then this implies the additive is where the demands of modern engines
additives (E, B, M and S) were evaluated multifunctional.” call for multifunctional additive technol-
to determine if they can display both low Mazzamaro suggests evaluating the ogy. He explains, “Performance in PCMO
wear and low coefficient of friction with additive in an appropriate formulation formulations for modern engines requires
the results shown in Figure 1. Willett environment using accepted ASTM labora- exceptional oxidative control to prevent de-
says, “When used with base oil, all of the tory methods. He says, “Multifunctionality posits and sludge formation over extended
additives exhibit good antiwear character- is apparent if the additive demonstrates oil drain intervals in harsh conditions. As
istics, but none of them acted as a friction positive activity in more than one type of mentioned earlier, ZnDTP, used for wear
modifier. Unexpectedly, we found that syn- test, e.g., oxidation, wear, friction, corro- protection, and molybdenum, used for fric-
ergistic combinations of additives S and sion, deposit control, etc.” tion modification, along with supplemental
two variations of E (E1 and E2) achieved Alvarez gives another example of a oxidation inhibitors, all contribute to the
breakthrough performance as friction multifunctional additive that can deliv- lubricant’s overall oxidation stability.”
modifiers while not impacting their ability er three distinct benefits to a lubricant. Examples of applications that require
to reduce wear.” He says, “A dispersant viscosity index multifunctional additives include automotive
Driver states that an understanding improver (VII) not only increases the lubri- and marine engine oils, industrial gear oils
of an additive’s chemistry structure-prop- cant’s viscosity index but also acts as a and hydraulic fluids, according to Driver.
erty relationships, test performance and dispersant, helping keep surfaces clean by He says, “Multifunctional additives allow
final application knowledge for a finished suspending oxidative deposits. Addition- the development of more efficient lubricant
lubricant need to be determined to better ally, the chemical structure of this specific formulations for wider applications, enabling
understand if the specific component is dispersant VII influences the lubricant’s formulators to simplify and potentially im-
multifunctional. He says, “In general, if frictional behavior.” prove for most lubricant applications.”
an additive shows multiple functional Loos believes that it is challenging for Driver cites the benefit of multifunction-
properties and performance that reduc- a single additive to exhibit more than one al additives that reduce friction in an engine
es or eliminates the need for additional function such as displaying a combina- to improve fuel economy while also acting
[Link] TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY SEPTEMBER 2025 • 17
TECH BEAT
as antioxidants to protect the lubricant
from the harsh operating environment. This
dual benefit reduces the overall number of
additives needed in a formulation.
Antioxidants factor into two examples
of how they work in a multifunctional
capacity with other additives. In Figure
2, a study demonstrates how combining
a dispersant component (DISP) with an
antioxidant (AO) leads to a significant
reduction in deposit formation. The con-
clusion is the antioxidant not only fulfills
its primary function but also acts in aiding
deposit formation control.
A second example demonstrates how
combining an antioxidant with certain
dispersants can lead to an increase in the
lubricant’s resistance to oxidation (see
Figure 3). This case illustrates the ability
of certain dispersants to also act as anti-
oxidants in addition to their primary role.
Figure 2. Combining a dispersant component (DISP) with an antioxidant (AO) aids in deposit forma-
Both figures are taken from a study pre- tion control while also limiting oxidation.3 Figure courtesy of Chevron Oronite.
sented at the 2025 STLE Annual Meeting.3
Overall reduction of formulation costs
in most lubricant applications is a key
driver for using multifunctional additives.
Mazzamaro says, “Multifunctional additives
are helpful in lubricant formulations where
cost is an important issue, since they help
reduce overall formulation costs.”
Grabarz indicates that multifunctional
additives and additive packages are useful
in a wide range of lubricant applications.
He provides details on benefits and specific
examples, “Use of multifunctional additive
components has the advantage of being
able to down treat certain additives result-
ing in less surface competition between
additives leading to better overall perfor-
mance. For example, inclusion of an amine
phosphate in a formulation affords both
antiwear and rust protection properties,
eliminating the need for two different addi-
tives. Similarly, a synthetic metal sulfonate
contributes excellent rust protection and Figure 3. Oxidation resistance can be increased in this study by combining an antioxidant with cer-
demulsification properties eliminating the tain dispersants. The study indicates that dispersants fulfill their original function but also can act as
need for supplemental demulsifiers.” antioxidants.3 Figure courtesy of Chevron Oronite.
Grabarz continues, “As mentioned
earlier, selection of certain base fluids also mos-oxidative stability, enhanced additive, applications include engines, hydraulics,
can impart multifunctional properties. solubility and response, improved seal turbines, gears and transmission systems.
Alkylated naphthalene base stock can be swell, decreased volatility and improved The use of optimized additive packages
used as a multifunctional additive when varnish control for system cleanliness.” simplifies formulation and supply chain
incorporated into a formulation, typically Sandhöfner says, “Additive packages efforts, significantly reducing the develop-
at 10%-60%, to impart multiple properties. are most useful in applications where ment time for Tier 1 suppliers to OEMs.”
These include improved thermal and ther- OEM specifications are mandatory. These Dr. Fish indicates that multifunction-
18 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
al additives are needed in almost every
piece of industrial machinery that utilizes
oils and greases. He says, “The reason
is lubricants need to impart rust preven-
tion, copper passivation, enhanced load
carrying and wear protection. Industrial
gear oils and hydraulic fluids also must
inhibit foam and aeration that can damage
the equipment if allowed to happen. Some
industrial fluids are also required to shed
water through the use of a demulsifier, and
others are required to emulsify any water
contamination. These effects are added
to the lubricant’s properties by the use of Figure 4. Piston scuffing seen in the left image is reduced by changing the additive balance to contain
additives, but it is also essential that for- a higher treat rate of a molybdenum component (see the right image). Figure courtesy of Vanderbilt
mulations are balanced so the demulsifier Chemicals.
does not interfere with air release.”
Willett emphasizes economics and improvement in piston scuffing is seen on
regulations in justifying the strong need the right side of Figure 4.
for using multifunctional additives and/or The multifunctionality of molybdenum
additive packages. He says, “In highly com- was further demonstrated in Sequence
petitive markets, there is always a need X timing chain wear test results found in
to streamline raw materials into fewer Figure 5. Timing chain wear has been found
components to provide the best economy to occur in turbocharged engines. Increas-
of scale and lowest added expense. Treat ing the molybdenum content from 100 ppm
rates for individual components are typi- (in the oil with the blue line results) to 750
cally in the 0.1%-1.0% by weight range for ppm (in the oil with the red line results)
individual functions such as antiwear. Add- leads to a significant decrease in timing
ing up the number of components needed chain wear over the 100-hour test period.
for contributing at least six functions can In the higher molybdenum containing
prompt a formulator to have potentially 6% experimental fluid, the molybdenum com-
additives by weight in a lubricant.” bined with 252 ppm of phosphorus and 280
Willett continues, “Finding additives that ppm of boron to achieve this result. Figure 5. Increasing the treat rate of a molyb-
can provide multiple functions is critically Grabarz provides the following list of denum component in an engine oil led to a sig-
important in environmentally acceptable nificant decline in timing chain wear (blue line
multifunctional additives and the proper-
lubricants that are prepared to meet the EU versus red line) over a 100-hour test period.
ties they display. Figure courtesy of Vanderbilt Chemicals.
Ecolabel certification program. Formulators
• Synthetic metal sulfonates. These
are given a limited allowance of chemistry
additives provide excellent rust furnished by this additive.
by weight percent to use in their products,
protection, impart excellent filtration Multifunctionality comes from
so every fraction of a percent counts.”
and demulsification properties evidence of EP performance at higher
Examples of multifunctional additives to overcome the negative effects treat levels.
Additives based on molybdenum chemis- of other additives, including zinc
An example of a calcium sulfonate de-
try exhibit multifunctionality, according to dithiophosphates and phenates.
rivative providing multifunctional additive
Mazzamaro, because they enhance control • Dibutylthiocarbamate. Antiwear
is found in its use in a common HF-0 type
of oxidation, wear, friction and deposits. A protection and secondary antioxidation
hydraulic formulation using an ISO VG 46
160,000-kilometer (100,000 mile) engine properties are displayed by this
(Group II) base oil. The additive based on a
oil trial was conducted in a U.S. city with additive.
calcium naphthalene sulfonate/carboxylate
taxis. The incumbent lubricant, a GF-5 oil, • Tolyltriazole. Beside providing
complex demonstrates improved ferrous
contained 700 ppm phosphorus and 100 yellow metal protection, antioxidation
corrosion, demulsification and filtration
ppm molybdenum and displayed piston performance can be boosted by
properties as shown in Table 1 on page 20.
scuffing on the left side of Figure 4. When preventing the formation of catalytic
Two examples of multifunctional addi-
the additive balance was changed to 700 copper ions.
tives furnished by Willett are ZnDTP and
ppm molybdenum and 250 ppm phos- • Dimercaptothiadiazole derivatives.
polymethacrylate viscosity modifiers. He
phorus in an experimental engine oil, an Yellow metal protection is also
says, “ZnDTP is the classic example of a do-
[Link] TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY SEPTEMBER 2025 • 19
TECH BEAT
it-all chemistry providing varying levels of
protection against wear, EP scuffing and ox-
idation. Ashless replacement technologies
such as carbamates and amine phosphates
also display similar characteristics.”
Willett continues, “Polymethacrylate
viscosity modifiers are unique in the
viscosity modifier world because they are
able to provide viscosity plus the added
benefit of wax suppression and pour point
improvement. This is a more premium
additive, but it saves the formulator the
added cost of adding 0.1%-0.3% by weight
of a separate pour point depressant in
their high VII formula.”
Dr. Fish gives the example of auto-
matic transmission fluids (ATFs) as using
complex packages that provide multifunc- Table 1. Introduction of an additive based on a calcium naphthalene sulfonate/carboxylate complex
to a HF-0 type hydraulic formulation leads to improved ferrous corrosion, demulsification and filtra-
tional properties. He says, “ATFs need
tion properties. Table courtesy of King Industries.
complex packages to allow them to work
across a range of conditions from zero to
high speed and from temperatures rang- thorough lubrication, dissipate heat and pre- backbones contribute dispersancy
ing from -40°C to +150°C. In addition to the vent surface deposit formation. Balancing against soot and sludge, while also
usual lubricant properties needed, friction all of these demands in a single formulation exhibiting basic properties needed to
properties are of the highest importance presents a significant technical challenge neutralize acids.
to ATFs. These need to be maintained that requires deep formulation expertise,
across a wide range of speeds, loads and and precise additive selection.” Effectiveness of multifunctional additives
temperatures. The result is an ATF fluid With the renewed focus on emulsion Grabarz feels that multifunctional additives
having a multifunctional additive package retention in passenger car engine oil are generally considered to be more ef-
containing up to 30 different components properties, Langston believes that alkyl fective and versatile than multiple mono-
to achieve the desired performance.” methacrylate copolymers are an attractive functional additives because they address
Alvarez offers further insight into the multifunctional additive due to their ability multiple issues with a single product. He
complexity of formulating an additive to act as VII, dispersants, film-formers and explains, “Multifunctional additives are
package for ATFs. He explains, “Automatic pour point depressants. often more efficient, allowing a formulator
transmissions, including planetary auto- Loos indicates that multifunctional to achieve multiple formulation goals with
matics, continuously variable transmissions additive packages can be tailored to meet a single product, reducing the need for
(CVTs), and dual-clutch transmissions the specific requirements of different ap- multiple additives. These benefits bring cost
(DCTs), require carefully engineered multi- plications. She says, “The reason for using savings by reducing the number of required
functional additive systems. These additives additive packages is that they combine additives and manufacturing complexity, so
work synergistically within a single package various components (antiwear, corrosion formulations can be more cost-effective.”
delivering a broad range of critical perfor- inhibitors, antioxidants, EP agents, VII and Grabarz continues, “In contrast,
mance attributes. Automatic transmissions antifoam agents and pour point depres- monofunctional additives are designed to
are intricate systems composed of numer- sants) that can be designed for the unique address a single issue. They do not pro-
ous moving parts and gearsets that demand needs of specific lubricant applications.” vide the benefits of other additive types,
robust protection against various forms of Two examples of multifunctional ad- so formulations may require the use of
wear. The specific architecture of each trans- ditives given by Patel are detergents and multiple products to address a broader
mission type also imposes unique friction dispersants. Details on their properties range of issues, driving up complexity and
modification requirements, particularly for are provided below. cost. Often using many monofunctional ad-
torque converters and clutch assemblies, to • Detergents such as phenates, sulfonates ditives increases the likelihood of additive
ensure smooth and reliable power transfer. and carboxylates provide cleanliness incompatibilities, which may form drop out
The same ATF must also serve as a hydrau- (protection against deposits) and also or shorten a formulation’s lifespan.”
lic fluid. It must protect metal surfaces from neutralize acids formed in engine oils Willett says, “The goal for an addi-
corrosion, provide wear protection, foam during the combustion process. tive package is to present formulators
and aeration control, flow consistently at • Dispersants based on polyisobutylene a unique and proprietary combination
low temperatures, protect seals, provide of additives, which work better than the
20 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
TECH BEAT
sum of their parts, where 1 + 1 = 3. Not all Multifunctional additives are packages can allow formulators to easily
combinations of two or three components generally considered to be prepare lubricants on a regional basis
provide a synergy. Often the mechanism and ease of obtaining OEM approvals. He
of how multiple components function will
more effective and versatile says, “Regionally, customers only need to
lead to antagonistic effects like excessive than multiple monofunctional select the appropriate base stock and can
corrosion, foaming or friction. Using a additives because they then add the appropriate multifunctional
package will often have higher potential address multiple issues with additive package to prepare a high-perfor-
to outperform a monofunctional additive a single product. mance lubricant. Additionally, under certain
because there are more dials to turn and conditions, OEM approvals can be obtained,
levers to pull behind the scenes. But there tor’s ability to optimize the treat rate for providing end-users with enhanced securi-
is also added complexity to balance chem- a broader range of base stock slates and, ty regarding lubricant compatibility.”
istries properly, and to sourcing more raw in some cases, could lead to reduced low Driver explains that certain additive
materials as global logistics continue to temperature performance.” chemistries can contribute more than one
become more complicated.” Alvarez highlights the advantages of function to a lubricant formulation. He says,
Langston discusses an operational using multifunctional additives and addi- “Some phosphorus and sulfur-based addi-
benefit for using multifunctional additives tive packages to reduce formulation com- tives can deliver both wear and oxidation
and additive packages but also cautions plexity, as opposed to blending lubricants protection. Another well-known example
that using a package with a specific from individual additive components. He is molybdenum-based additives that can
component could lead to inferior lubricant explains, “A multifunctional additive or the reduce both wear and friction while also
performance. He says, “Advantages in use of well-designed additive packages boosting oxidation inhibition by acting syn-
operations and logistics can be realized in deliver multiple performance benefits ergistically with amine-based antioxidants.”
using multifunctional additives because within the lubricant, simplifying the for-
lubricant blending plants end up man- Additive categories with specific needs
mulation while ensuring compatibility and
aging a smaller number of components. Alvarez notes that formulating multifunc-
performance balance across critical prop-
But performance compromises could take tional additive packages requires signifi-
erties such as wear protection, oxidation
place in specific situations. For example, cant expertise from experienced compa-
stability, detergency and friction control.”
inclusion of pour point depressants in nies. He explains, “Combining components
Two benefits mentioned by Sandhöfner
additive packages may limit a formula- such as detergents, dispersants, antioxi-
are the use of multifunctional additive
dants, antiwear additives, friction modi-
22 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
TECH BEAT
fiers, EP agents, foam control, corrosion
inhibitors, antioxidants, seal conditioners,
friction modifiers, rust inhibitors and others
for use in applications such as automotive
and industrial gear oils, engine oils, ATF
and hydraulic fluids involves a delicate
formulation balance. Each component must
not only perform its intended function but
also remain compatible with other compo-
nents to ensure overall system stability,
and optimized performance.”
Grabarz mentions greases and
industrial lubricants as applications with
specific needs for better multifunctional
additives. He says, “For greases, additives
that can provide better protection against
wear and tear on moving parts, protect
under high loads and temperatures where
EP agents are needed, protect various
metal parts against corrosion and act as
antioxidants to prevent grease thickening
and degradation are needed.”
Multifunctional additives will be needed in industrial
Grabarz continues, “Better multifunc- applications such as industrial gear oils, metalworking
tional additive options are needed for in- fluids and hydraulic systems.
dustrial lubricants used in various machin-
ery and equipment to reduce friction, wear exhibit low or reduced phosphorus Future use
and heat generation. In particular, additives levels, provide or replace wear Dr. Fish cautions that future use of mul-
for use in hydraulic and compressor fluids performance from traditional ZnDTP tifunctional additives may decline due to
are needed to better control corrosion and additives and also protect against regulatory concerns. He says, “Single prop-
deliver demulsification properties.” oxidation and corrosion. erty additives are growing and will become
Willett encourages the greater use of • Dispersants. Better multifunctional more important with REACH restricting
dispersant viscosity modifiers in multigrade dispersants are needed to help reduce several multi-use additives. For example,
engine oils and hydraulic fluids. He says, overall treat rates and cost, while if ZnDTP gets restricted or authorized for
“Besides providing viscosity control and maximizing performance benefits that only specific uses, then formulators would
dispersancy, dispersant viscosity modifiers simultaneously improve sludge and have to use separate antiwear and antioxi-
contribute additional benefits compared to soot control along with cleanliness dant additives to replace it.4
polyisobutylenesuccinic anhydride disper- under harsh conditions. Table 2 on page 26 provides an
sants because their larger size allows them • VII. Besides providing viscosity index example of an antioxidant study using a
to encompass abrasive wear particles and improvement, there is an increasing conventional lithium 12-hydroxystearate
prevent scratching of lubricated surfaces.” need for traditional VII to aid in soap thickened API Group I base oil with a
On the matter of grease, Willett indicates reducing deposits, enhancing fuel kinematic viscosity of approximately 150
that specialized polymers can be melted into economy and dispersancy. cSt at 40°C.4 Six antioxidants used sepa-
greases to provide a wide range of benefits • Detergents. With end-users dealing rately or in combination were evaluated
at low treat rates including reduction in with higher equipment operating in the base grease for oxidation induction
oil bleed, improved yield, improved water temperatures, more efficient time (OIT) measured in minutes at 180°C.
resistance and better adhesion to moving detergents are required to handle The procedure used was ASTM D6138
equipment. He adds, “These benefits provide deposits formed under these operating using pressure differential scanning calo-
an easy way to upgrade a standard product conditions while also providing rimetry (PDSC).
while keeping the vast majority of the bill of basicity to neutralize acids. A combination of two antioxidants
materials the same.” Mazzamaro argues that all lubricant (Polymerized 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimeth-
Patel lists four additives where im- applications will benefit from using multi- ylquinoline [TMHQ] + Alkyl substituted
provements are needed. functional additives. He says, “They help diphenylamine [sDPA]) was needed to
• Antiwear additives. A general to simplify formulations and can reduce provide comparable performance to either
preference is requested by formulators costs by reducing blending steps, and the a primary or secondary ZnDTP. Fish says,
for antiwear additives that specifically number of additives needed in inventory.” “This study demonstrates that the com-
24 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]
TECH BEAT
bination of two single property additives
(in this case, antioxidants) was needed to
replace a multifunctional additive, ZnDTP.”
Mazzamaro continues to see the need
for multifunctional additives. He says, “As
performance requirements become more
challenging, multifunctional additives are
a great tool in the formulators toolbox
to enhance performance of an existing
formulation.”
Loos predicts that multifunctional
Table 2. The oxidation resistance of a conventional lithium 12-hydroxy stearate soap thickened API
additives will be needed in industrial
Group I base oil was evaluated for oxidation induction time (OIT). Six antioxidants (DTBP = di-t-butyl
applications such as industrial gear phenol, BHT = di-t-butylhydroxytoluene, sDPA = alkyl substituted diphenylamine, zinc 1 = primary
oils, metalworking fluids and hydraulic zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, zinc 2 = secondary zinc dialkyldithiophosphate and TMHQ = polym-
systems. She says, “Hydraulic fluids are a erized 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline) were added to the base grease, and the results were
main example of this trend because of the reported in minutes. The test was run using ASTM D6138. A combination of two antioxidants (TMHQ
+ sDPA) was needed to provide comparable performance to a primary or secondary ZnDTP. Table
transition from monograde to multigrade
courtesy of Lubrizol.
offerings to enhance efficiency and reduce
fuel consumption. Package suppliers will
need to adjust their products to meet toolbox. Their use always depends on a packages using higher levels of biobased
increasing performance demands such as careful balance of cost, performance and and/or renewable raw materials. This
improved lubrication, wear protection and the benefits and detriments of a specif- includes testing of performance to verify
corrosion resistance.” ic additive relative to the performance improved compatibility with a wide range
Langston believes the use of multi- requirements of the application. The de- of additive chemistries in highly refined or
functional additives and additive packages velopment of multifunctional components biobased fluids.
is already widespread. He says, “While and packages in lubricants is an exciting Formulators will need to continue to
some formulations and applications may journey driven by continuous scientific ad- work with multifunctional additives and
require careful development on an individ- vancements. These new developments are additive packages in most of the main
ual additive basis, many formulators will essential for creating effective solutions lubricant applications. They offer sig-
benefit from robust additive package solu- that improve performance and efficien- nificant benefits that cannot be ignored
tions that expedite development timelines cy for future generations. Our growing by formulators. Selection of a particular
an simplify manufacturing processes.” understanding of lubricant additives additive will be dictated by the specific ap-
Willett foresees that several market allows us to design products that perform plication, cost performance and regulatory
factors will prompt formulators to turn multiple tasks and leads to improved trends that may restrict the use of specific
to multifunctional additives. He says, performance to meet ever increasing per- components.
“Demands of lower ash engine oils, envi- formance and regulatory requirements.”
Alvarez indicates that multifunction- Neil Canter heads his own consulting
ronmental, health and safety standards
al additives and additive packages will company, Chemical Solutions, in
and the growth of more environmentally
continue to be utilized in all applications Willow Grove, Pa. Ideas for Tech Beat
friendly lubricants will prompt formu-
where they are currently employed. He can be submitted to him at
lators to use multifunctional additives
says, “Wherever there are moving parts neilcanter@[Link].
because of the overall reduction in the
level of active chemistry in formulations. that require lubrication, cooling and
protection, multifunctional additives and 1. Spikes, H.A. (2004), “The history and mechanism
One multifunctional additive may reduce of ZDDP,” Tribology Letters, 17 (3), pp. 469-489.
the overall weight percent of components additive packages will provide the neces-
2. Rudnick, L., Editor (2022), Lubricant Additives
used in a formulation and therefore sary protection.”
Chemistry and Application, 3rd Edition,
reduce the overall number of chemistries Although multifunctional additives CRC Press.
which must be regulated continuously.” are already widely used, the potential
3. Jha, A. and Wall, D. (2025), “Insights into
As part of this process, Willett believes for raising their consumption is still very synergistic workings of additives improving
that additive suppliers will turn to more high, according to Grabarz. He concludes, engine cleanliness performance of lubricant oils,”
specialized multifunctional chemistries “Research is being conducted on the Presented at the STLE Annual Meeting in Atlanta,
development or modernization of the Ga., in May 2025.
as a core of new products will also allow
brands to differentiate themselves better compositions in multifunctional additives 4. Fish, G., McCune, D.K. and Dura, R.D. (2023),
for use in specific geographical regions.” “Formualting challenges in an increasingly
in the highly competitive lubricant market. regulated world,” Presented at the ELGI Annual
Driver says, “Multifunctional additives Areas of interest include the development
Meeting in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in
are an important part of a formulator’s of multifunctional additives and additive May 2023.
26 • SEPTEMBER 2025 TRIBOLOGY & LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY [Link]