New Molecules: prospects in Lubricants

Lubricants Chemistry is on the cusp of a radical change, driven by legislation requiring lower greenhouse gas emissions, which then leads to changing demands on lubricants for passenger cars. In the short term the internal combustion engine must generate more power from a smaller volume. However, a longer-term scenario sees the internal combustion engine playing less of a role in a future zero emissions vehicle.  This is leading to a demand for new molecules to deal with the new environment, such as

• new Viscosity Modifiers and/or Friction Modifiers for lower energy consumption,
• new surface-active molecules (Anti-wear, Extreme Pressure, Friction Modifier) to deal with new surfaces in equipment.

Additionally "green" chemistry is leading to either new ways of making both old and completely new molecules from sustainable sources.