Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology Original Research
Evaluation of Additive Effects on Lubricating Oil Properties in Automobile Engines
Abstract
Lubricating oils play a critical role in reducing friction, controlling wear, and enhancing the operational efficiency and service life of automobile engines. The performance of these oils is strongly dependent on the quality of base oils and the type and concentration of additives incorporated during formulation. This study evaluates the impact of additives on the physicochemical characteristics and degradation behavior of lubricating oils under automobile engine operating conditions. Two commercially available lubricating oils formulated with different additive packages were investigated. Fresh oil samples and used oil samples collected at defined mileage intervals were analyzed to determine changes in viscosity, viscosity index, pour point, flash point, density, and volatility as a function of temperature and distance covered. Standard ASTM methods were employed to ensure reliability and reproducibility of results. The findings reveal that additive quality significantly influences viscosity stability, resistance to thermal degradation, and volatility control during engine operation. Oils formulated with high-performance additives exhibited slower viscosity reduction, improved viscosity index retention, and lower pour point variation compared to oils with lower-grade additives. Temperature and distance covered were observed to be major contributors to oil thickening, evaporation losses, and overall degradation. Furthermore, a strong relationship was established between volatility, viscosity, and viscosity index, highlighting their combined effect on fuel economy and engine protection. The study underscores the importance of proper additive selection in lubricating oil production, particularly in developing economies where substandard additives may compromise engine reliability. The outcomes provide valuable insights for lubricant manufacturers, policymakers, and end-users, emphasizing the need for performance-based evaluation of lubricating oils to enhance engine efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and support sustainable petroleum resource utilization.
Keywords
References (15)
- 1. Dörr N, Agocs A, Besser C, Ristić A, Frauscher M. Engine oils in the field: a comprehensive chemical assessment of engine oil degradation in a passenger car. Tribology Letters. 2019 Sep;67(3):68.
- 2. Contreras-Gallegos E, Domínguez-Pacheco FA, Hernández-Aguilar C, Bedoya A, Alvarado S, Marín E, Cruz-Orea A. Study of mineral-based oils with Jatropha curcas L. as bio-additive through thermal and kinematic viscosity properties. International Journal of Thermophysics. 2022 Jan;43(1):4.
- 3. Sejkorová M, Hurtová I, Jilek P, Novák M, Voltr O. Study of the effect of physicochemical degradation and contamination of motor oils on their lubricity. Coatings. 2021 Jan 7;11(1):60.
- 4. Chukwu M, Olawuni IA, Alagbaoso SO, Ofoedum AF, Anaeke EJ, Odeyemi TA, Ogbuka C, Uzoukwu AE. Impacts of Palm Bunch Ash and Brine Solutions on the Nutritional and Anti-nutritional Compositions of. Pentaclethra macrophyll Benth) (April 08, 2024). 2024 Apr 8.
- 5. Lantz MU. Faculty: 09 Agricultural Sciences, Ecotrophology and Environmental Management Degree Course: Transition Management (MSc) Module: Master thesis 1st Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Martin Petrick 2nd Supervisor: Dr. Stephanie Domptail.
- 6. Solomon SE. Exploring the Tribological Advantages of Using Carbon Microspheres as Liquid Lubricant Additives and Fillers in Polymeric Materials (Doctoral dissertation, Tulane University).
- 7. Ali MK, Fuming P, Younus HA, Abdelkareem MA, Essa FA, Elagouz A, Xianjun H. Fuel economy in gasoline engines using Al2O3/TiO2 nanomaterials as nanolubricant additives. Applied energy. 2018 Feb 1;211:461-78.
- 8. Cheremisinoff NP, Rosenfeld PE. Handbook of pollution prevention and cleaner production Vol. 1: Best practices in the petroleum industry. William Andrew; 2009 Sep 22.
- 9. Sazzad MR, Rahman MM, Hassan T, Al Rifat A, Al Mamun A, Adib AR, Meraz RM, Ahmed M. Advancing sustainable lubricating oil management: Re-refining techniques, market insights, innovative enhancements, and conversion to fuel. Heliyon. 2024 Oct 30;10(20).
- 10. Singh P, Kumar M, Singh H. Tribological and Corrosion-Resistant Surface Engineering Strategies for Hydroturbine Blades: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Bio-and Tribo-Corrosion. 2026 Dec;12(4):196.
- 11. Elkelawy M, El Shenawy EA, Bastawissi HA, Mostafa E. Impact of gasoline fuel commercial additive properties on engine performance and emissions characteristics. Pharos Engineering Science Journal. 2025 Jun 1;2(1):87-105.
- 12. Okorie O. Valorization of Agro-Industrial Residues for Bioethanol: A Comparative Review of Brewer’s Spent Grain, Cassava, and Yam Peels. Res. Gen. Mater. Eng. 2025;1:1-37.
- 13. Zhao Q, Zhao Q, Zhang E, Jiang C, Wang Y, Lou W, Zhang R, Wang X. Research on the relationship between thermal aging of lubricating grease outside the contact area of bearing rolling elements and bearing lubrication failure. Engineering Failure Analysis. 2025 Feb 1;168:109127.
- 14. Jiang N, Nan F. Applications of Phyllosilicates Mineral Powder as Anti-Wear Lubricating Materials in Lubricating Oil and Grease: A Review. Lubricants. 2024 Sep 20;12(9):324.
- 15. Wang H, Wang Y, Wen P, Ma L, Fan M, Dong R, Zhang C. Low-viscosity oligoether esters (OEEs) as high-efficiency lubricating oils: Insight on their structure–lubricity relationship. Friction. 2024 Jun;12(6):1133-53.