Friction modifiers

We have developed a range of novel organic polymer friction modifiers which offer significant benefits when compared with existing similar organic friction modifiers.

Friction modifiers are molecules that can change the frictional properties of a substrate. Friction modifiers are most commonly used in lubricants including industrial and automotive oils, where they are used to reduce the friction between metal surfaces. Friction modifiers interact with the metal surface to reduce friction. Inorganic friction modifiers chemically react with the metallic surface while organic friction modifiers, like the solutions we offer, work by physical adsorption to the surface.

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What are common friction modifier chemistries?

Friction modifiers can be created from many different classes of chemistries. There are three main types used in lubricants: inorganic, organic and organic polymeric. The table below compares these three classes.

Friction modifier class	Examples	Pros	Cons
Inorganic/ organometallic	MoDTC (molybdenum dithiocarbamate); ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates)	Excellent sliding friction reduction	Depletes in use: friction reduction potentially lost in aged oil, requires higher temperatures to activate than organic
Organic mono molecular	GMO (Glyceryl monooleate); Oleamide; Priolube™ 2040 (Saturated polyol ester)	Does not deplete in use	Not as potent as MoDTC; minimal benefits in siding friction
Organic polymeric	Perfad 3000 series	Outstanding friction reduction in mixed sliding -rolling Thermally and oxidatively stable Antiwear benefits	More sensitive to the final formulation than mono molecular organics

Brochure: Perfad™ XG 2500

1.6 MB

What are organic polymeric friction modifiers?

We have developed a range of novel organic polymer friction modifiers. These are similar to existing organic friction modifiers, but they are then linked together within a larger molecule. The polymer structure helps to produce coherent layers of FM on the metal surfaces with each anchor point reinforced by another on either side.

Perfad friction modifiers

What benefits do our polymeric friction modifiers bring?

An outstanding ability to reduce the coefficient of friction of lubricants to levels unachievable with conventional organic friction modifiers
Excellent film forming properties which offers the potential to reduce wear and to improve durability
More oxidatively stable than conventional organic friction modifiers
Effective at low dose rates, typically 0.1% - 0.5%.

Selecting the right friction modifier

Friction modifier selection is based not only on the desired outcome, but also on the other additives used within the lubricant system. Additives within the lubricant complete for access to the metal surface, and detergents and dispersants in particular are polar, and can trap FMs within the bulk of the lubricant, limiting access to the surface. Careful selection of FMs are needed for the best performance in a particular lubricant formulation. If you would like us to help you formulate your next generation of lubricants, please contact us.

Selected academic papers of interest

We regularly contribute to academic and industry papers. A small selection are referenced below:

Interactions between organic friction modifier additives,
Tribology International, Volume 151, 2020, 106438,
Benjamin M. Fry, Mang Yin Chui, Gareth Moody, Janet S.S. Wong,

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Adsorption of organic friction modifier additives

Fry, B.M., Moody, G., Spikes, H.A., Wong, J.S.S., Langmuir, 2020, 36(5), pp. 1147-1155

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Effect of surface cleaning on performance of organic friction modifiers

Fry, B.M., Moody, G., Spikes, H., Wong, J.S.S.

Tribology Transactions, 2020, 63(2), pp. 305-313

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The performance and mechanisms of organic polymeric friction modifiers in low viscosity engine oils
Moody, G., Eastwood, J., Ueno, K.
SAE Technical Papers, 2019, (December)

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The influence of friction modifiers in fully formulated motorcycle engine oils
Gillespie, D., Moody, G., Viadas, A.

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Recommended products

Perfad™ 3000

Perfad 3000 is a polymeric friction modifiers suitable for formulating into four-stroke engine oil formulations.

Perfad™ 3006

Perfad 3006 is friction modifier, which can be used in engine oils to lower friction.

Perfad™ 3057

Perfad 3057 is a polymeric friction modifier, which is used in engine oils to reduce friction.

Perfad™ 3100

Perfad 3100 is a thermal and oxidatively stable ashless friction modifier suitable for use in the formulation of industrial gear oils. It is European Ecolabel compliant and is featured on the LuSC...

Perfad™ NG 2500

A high performance ashless, organic polymeric friction modifier with friction reducing properties.

Additives for passenger car motor oils

High-performing friction modifiers, base oils and surface repair additives

Enhancing fuel economy of passenger cars and helping original equipment manufacturers meet emissions legislation.

Additives for heavy duty diesel engine oils

Speciality friction modifiers, base oils and surface repair additives

Enhancing specifications by improving fuel economy and oxidation stability whilst reducing wear and deposits.

Additives for industrial gear oils

High-performance polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and ester technologies for gear lubrication

Maximise gear performance, operating efficiency and reliability and reduce gear wear across various applications.

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