Beyond moly: The future of EP additives for demanding applications

Extreme Pressure (EP) additives are the unsung heroes of industrial lubrication, especially when the going gets tough. These additives form a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear, which is essential for heavy-duty applications. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has long been the dominant choice for achieving EP performance. However, relying solely on MoS2 is no longer a sustainable strategy. The winds of change are blowing, and here’s why:

The moly problem: A multifaceted challenge

  • Price volatility: The cost of MoS2 can be a rollercoaster ride, making it difficult for lubricant manufacturers to maintain consistent pricing and profitability. Unexpected price fluctuations can disrupt budgets and create uncertainty in the market.
  • Supply chain concerns: Most MoS2 production is concentrated in a few countries, making the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical events, natural disasters, and trade disputes. Any disruption in these regions can send shockwaves through the lubricant industry.

Synergistic sulfides: A new era of EP additives

The good news is that innovation never sleeps. Synergistic sulfides are emerging as a powerful alternative to MoS2. These cutting-edge additives combine different sulfide compounds to create a synergy that boosts performance, enhances wear protection, and improves cost-effectiveness.

MS20 and MX20: Leading the charge in advanced synthetic sulfides

At Innovamat, we’re not just keeping pace with the evolution of EP additives; we’re driving it. With over 40 years of experience in friction modification, we’ve established ourselves as a leader in the development and application of advanced synthetic sulfides. Our MS20 and MX20 products are prime examples of this expertise, offering a compelling alternative to traditional MoS2-based solutions.

Performance that speaks for itself

The image above showcases the impressive performance of MS20 in a four-ball test, a widely recognized industry standard for evaluating EP additives. Compared to a standard MoS2 additive, MS20 demonstrates:

  • Reduced wear scar: MS20 exhibits a significantly smaller wear scar, indicating superior wear protection under high-pressure conditions. This translates to longer component life and reduced maintenance costs.
  • Higher weld point: MS20 boasts a higher weld point, meaning it can withstand greater loads before the metal surfaces weld together. This is critical for heavy-duty applications where extreme pressures are commonplace.
  • Improved corrosion resistance: MS20 also shows better corrosion resistance, further enhancing the protection of metal components.

Tailored solutions through collaboration

We understand that every application is unique. That’s why we take a collaborative approach, working closely with our customers to understand their specific needs and develop customized solutions. Our state-of-the-art lab, equipped with a four-ball test and other advanced testing capabilities, allows us to fine-tune our MS20 and MX20 products to meet the demands of diverse industries and applications.

More than just additives

Our expertise extends beyond the development of high-performance additives. We offer comprehensive support to our customers, including:

  • Technical expertise: Our team of experts provides guidance on product selection, application optimization, and troubleshooting.
  • Formulation assistance: We can assist with the formulation of lubricants that incorporate our MS20 and MX20 additives, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
  • Performance testing: We offer comprehensive testing services to evaluate the performance of lubricants under various conditions, providing valuable insights for product development and optimization.

By combining our advanced synthetic sulfide technology with our deep application expertise and collaborative approach, we’re empowering our customers to overcome the challenges of modern lubrication and achieve new levels of performance and sustainability.

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