Additives 3 – Surface Acting Additives

Additives 3 – Surface Acting Additives explores the essential additive technologies that directly interact with metal surfaces to reduce wear, prevent damage, and enhance the performance of lubricants in harsh operating environments.

This course focuses on how additives like antiwear agents, extreme pressure (EP) additives, friction modifiers, detergents, dispersants, and corrosion inhibitors work at the molecular level. You’ll learn how these additives form protective films, neutralize acids, suspend contaminants, and reduce metal-to-metal contact—especially in high-load, high-temperature, or dirty environments.

You’ll also gain insight into the difference between basic and overbased detergents, and how Total Base Number (TBN) is used to measure the reserve alkalinity needed to protect engine internals.

Whether you’re formulating lubricants, analyzing used oil, or making product recommendations, this course will help you understand the chemical strategies used to protect machines and extend lubricant life.

By completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the mechanisms of key surface-acting additives
• Understand how antiwear and EP additives function under load
• Differentiate between detergents and dispersants and their roles in deposit control
• Explain how friction modifiers improve fuel economy and reduce wear
• Interpret TBN values in the context of overbased detergent content
• Apply additive knowledge to real-world lubrication challenges