Lubricants are essential for the smooth running of machines across many sectors. Aramco is a leading supplier of premium quality base oils around the world — one of the basic ingredients of lubricants.

Lubricants form a physical barrier between moving parts of many components, such as engine pistons, to reduce friction. Lubricants can be solid or liquid, and they prevent wear, cool components down, and reduce corrosion and surface fatigue. There are different types of lubricants to cover a range of uses from industrial machinery to wind turbines. The biggest consumer of lubricants is the automotive sector — including electric vehicles — which typically accounts for more than half of global lubricant demand.

Consistent viscosity

across a range of temperatures during operation

Chemical stability

across a range of temperatures during operation

Strength

to avoid seizure under heavy loads

Thermal stability

to maintain efficiency at high temperatures

Good wettability

and distribution to ensure adherence and spread over the surface

How are lubricants produced?

Lubricants can be either mineral — using base oil derived from crude oil — or synthetic — using manufactured base oils. Mineral lubricants are the most commonly used, and are made by mixing base oil with chemical additives, such as detergents, dispersants, and antioxidants. There are different mixtures of lubricants for different uses, and innovations in lubricant technology optimize formulas for each application.

What is the future of lubricants?

The lubricant oil business is vital for keeping global industry — and the world — moving. Advanced lubricant technology innovates to meet the demand for higher-quality and lower viscosity lubricants that improve efficiency and movement. Each lubricant has to make machinery more efficient, while meeting environmental standards and equipment manufacturers’ requirements. Lubricants have uses across a variety of newer product lines. The adoption of more-advanced machinery across industries will continue to drive innovation in lubricant technology to support them.