Sustainability requirements in lubricant formulation are accelerating. Bio-based content minimums, biodegradability targets, and restrictions on petroleum-derived additives are pushing formulators toward genuinely renewable additive chemistries. Desilube AEP is a commercially available extreme pressure additive derived from lignin — one of the most abundant natural polymers on earth.
What Is Lignin?
Lignin is a complex aromatic polymer found in the cell walls of woody plants, comprising approximately 15–30% of wood by weight. It is generated in large quantities as a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry. For lubricant chemistry, lignin’s aromatic phenolic structure — rich in hydroxyl and methoxy groups — provides natural antioxidant activity and surface-active properties that translate directly into lubrication performance.
Desilube AEP Performance Properties
- Extreme pressure performance: Active EP additive through surface-adsorption mechanism; compatible with and synergistic to conventional S/P EP packages
- Antioxidant activity: Natural phenolic antioxidancy extends base oil and additive package oxidative life
- Rheological modification: Contributes to viscosity and film-forming properties at the lubricated interface
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable; meets EAL formulation criteria
- Non-toxic: Naturally occurring; no regulatory restrictions
- MoS₂ synergy: Compatible with and performance-synergistic to MoS₂ solid lubricant dispersions
Formulation Applications
- Bio-based EAL greases: Used at 2–8% in bio-based ester or vegetable oil base with natural fatty acid thickeners
- Sustainable metalworking fluids: Functions as EP booster in water-dilutable systems alongside emulsifiers
- MoS₂-containing lubricants: Synergistic EP enhancer in solid lubricant greases and pastes — extends the performance of MoS₂ at lower MoS₂ treat rates
- Industrial gear oils: Antioxidant + EP combination in bio-based gear oil formulations
Desilube AEP is available for sample evaluation. Contact us at desilubeinc.com/contact