Super-alkaline calcium sulfonate TBN 400: role in neutralizing acids and providing detergent properties of motor oils 

During engine operation, fuel combustion, oxidation of lubricating oil and exposure to high temperatures lead to the formation of acid compounds and deposits. If these products are not properly controlled, they can increase corrosion of engine metal parts and reduce oil performance. Therefore, detergent additives in motor oils must not only prevent the formation of deposits, but also provide the necessary ability to neutralize acids.

Super alkaline syntheticcalcium sulfonatewidely used as a detergent additive in the production of lubricants. Products with TBN 400, due to their high total base number, provide an alkaline reserve to the formulation and play an important role in neutralizing acids, maintaining engine cleanliness and protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.

1. Why do motor oils need high alkaline detergent additives?

During long-term engine operation, the properties of the oil are affected by fuel combustion products, fuel quality, operating temperature and load. Some products of oil combustion and oxidation can form acidic compounds, which gradually consume the alkaline components of the lubricant.

As the alkaline reserve decreases, the oil's ability to neutralize acidic foods decreases. Therefore, when developing motor oil formulations, it is necessary to take into account the type of engine, the characteristics of the fuel used and the requirements for the performance properties of the finished product, selecting detergent additives with the appropriate level of base number.

Highly alkaline calcium sulfonate provides an additional alkaline reserve for the oil and participates in the neutralization of acidic compounds formed during operation. This helps reduce the risk of corrosion on metal engine parts.

2. Main functions of high alkaline calcium sulfonate TBN 400

TBN (total base number) is one of the important indicators characterizing the alkaline reserve of lubricants and additives. It is usually expressed in mg KOH/g. For a high-alkaline synthetic calcium sulfonate, a high TBN value means the ability to provide a significant alkaline reserve to the formulation.

Highly alkaline synthetic calcium sulfonate TBN 400 has the following functional properties:

Neutralization of acids

Highly alkaline components are involved in neutralizing acidic compounds formed during engine operation. This helps maintain the alkaline reserve of the engine oil and reduce the negative effects of an acidic environment on metal engine parts.

Cleaning properties

Calcium sulfonate additives help control deposit formation in high-temperature engine areas by reducing the accumulation of combustion products and oxidation on metal surfaces. This helps keep the internal parts of the engine clean.

Rust and Corrosion Protection

Calcium sulfonate detergent additives have certain anti-corrosion properties and help protect metal surfaces, helping to reduce the risk of corrosion damage.

It should be borne in mind that TBN is not the only indicator that determines the cleaning properties of motor oil. The actual effectiveness of the formulation also depends on the chemical structure of the additives, their compatibility, concentration and engine operating conditions.

3. Features of the use of calcium sulfonate based on long-chain linear alkylbenzene

Calcium sulfonate products with different chemical structures may differ in molecular structure, oil solubility, and compatibility with formulation components.

T106D is a long chain linear alkylbenzene calcium sulfonate with a high TBN of 400. For lubricant additive manufacturers, the product can be used as a detergent component in the formulation of high alkaline lubricants.

When developing recipes, specialists usually take into account the following factors:

• Required base number of the finished lubricant;
• Engine type and actual operating conditions;
• Balance between detergent properties and acid neutralization ability;
• Requirements for the content of sulfated ash and calcium;
• Compatible with dispersants, antioxidants and other functional additives.

The correct choice of the type of detergent additive and its dosage allows you to optimize the performance characteristics of the finished lubricant.