Exploring the Impact of Additives on Tribological Characteristics in Lubricating Oils: A Critical Review

In mechanical systems, lubricants play a crucial role in minimizing friction, dissipating heat, and preventing wear. Additives, comprising both organic and inorganic compounds and typically constituting 0.1% to 30% of lubricant volume, are introduced to enhance lubricant performance. This study investigates the influence of various additives on lubricant behaviour and performance, encompassing antifoam agents, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, detergents, extreme pressure additives, pour-point depressants, and viscosity index improvers. Friction coefficients were meticulously measured using a pin-on-disk tribometer to assess the Tribological and physical properties of these additives. Surface analysis via SEM provided insights into wear characteristics influenced by the additives. The comprehensive tribological assessment reveals that the incorporation of additives consistently reduces friction and wear across different base oil types. This underscores the critical role of additives in improving lubricant properties, maintaining thermal stability, and forming protective films on surfaces. Our findings advocate for the strategic use of additives to enhance lubricant performance and longevity.