1940s: Wartime Acceleration
Rapid innovation to support military aircraft, ships and land vehicles
Development of anti-wear additives, including early sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds
Improved rust and corrosion inhibitors for harsh operating environments
Additives became essential rather than optional
ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) is patented in 1944

Key chemistries:
sulfurized olefins early anti-wear/EP additives
tricresyl phosphate early anti-wear agent
barium sulfonates for rust and corrosion inhibition

1950s: Detergent/Dispersants
Development of ashless dispersants to control sludge and varnish
Oils could now support longer drain intervals and cleaner engines
ZDDP becomes the cornerstone anti-wear additive

Key chemistries:
polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBSI) ashless dispersants

1960s: Anti-Wear & Performance Expansion
Widespread adoption of ZDDP as the dominant anti-wear and antioxidant additive
Improved extreme-pressure (EP) additives for gear oils
Growing standardization through API and OEM specifications

1970s: Fuel Economy & Emissions Awareness
Oil crisis increased focus on fuel efficiency
Early development of friction modifiers to reduce parasitic losses
Catalytic converters introduced, raising concerns about additive ash and phosphorus poisoning
Beginning of balance between protection and emissions compatibility

Key chemistries:
fatty amines and fatty acid esters organic friction modifiers
glycerol mono-oleate
molybdenum dithiocarbamate

1980s: Advanced Friction Control
Commercial introduction of organic friction modifiers and molybdenum-based compounds
Improved viscosity index improvers enabling multigrade oils (e.g., 10W-40)
Higher engine speeds and tighter tolerances increased reliance on additives

1990s: Low-Emission & Extended Drain Oils
Growth of low-SAPS additive systems to protect aftertreatment devices
Enhanced oxidation resistance for extended oil drain intervals
Refinement of ashless additive technologies
Globalization of lubricant standards (API, ACEA, JASO)

Key chemistries:
low-phosphorus ZDDP variants
boronated dispersants
ashless phosphorus esters
sulfurized esters (low-ash EP alternatives)

2000s: High-Performance & Synthetic Compatibility
Rapid expansion of synthetic base oils required additive reformulation
Increased use of molybdenum friction modifiers for fuel economy
Improved seal compatibility and deposit control
Additives tailored for turbocharged and high-output engines

2010s | Downsizing, Turbocharging & Hybrids
Engine downsizing and turbocharging increased boundary lubrication conditions
Adoption of ultra-low-viscosity oils (0W-20, 0W-16)
Stricter emissions and fuel economy standards (ILSAC GF-5, GF-6)
Incremental innovation due to REACH, toxicity and OEM constraints

Key chemistries:
advanced MoDTC blends optimized for low-viscosity oils
boron esters as friction modifiers
organic friction modifiers (OFMs) with tailored polarity and phenolic
aminic antioxidants (e.g., hindered phenols, alkylated diphenylamines)

2020s: Electrification & New Lubrication Challenges
Continued importance of additives for hybrids, transmissions, bearings and gears
Emerging fluids for EV drivetrains and e-axles
Focus on efficiency, durability, and compatibility with new materials
Sustainability and bio-based additive research expands though adoption remains cautious

Key chemistries:
phosphorus-free organic friction modifiers
surface-active esters for e-axle fluids
advanced sulfur–phosphorus EP systems for gears (low copper reactivity)
ionic-liquid-inspired additives (early-stage research)