Amines are used in a number of applications in lubricants, Freedonia reports, including corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, dispersants and extreme pressure additives. In lubricants, chemicals used to perform these functions are generally low-volume, high-value ingredients. The trend in the market toward longer-lasting lubricants will boost demand for amine-based additives designed to prolong the working life of the lubricant, such as antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors, as manufacturers use higher loadings of these additives to sustain the lubricants effectiveness.

Ethyleneamines have the largest share of the lubricant additives segment, and are seeing the fastest growth. Freedonia predicts U.S. ethyleneamines demand in lubricants will grow from 70 million pounds in 2005 to 82 million pounds in 2010, and to 95 million pounds by 2015.

U.S. demand for specialty amines in lubricants will grow more slowly, Freedonia predicts, from 40 million pounds in 2005 to 44 million pounds by 2015. Demand for ethanolamines, a 15-million pound U.S. market in 2005, is expected to reach just 17 million pounds by 2015.

Total U.S. amine demand is projected reach 2.8 billion pounds valued at $2.9 billion in 2010, according to the Freedonia study. New applications such as wood preservatives, fast-growing niches such as glyphosate herbicides, and higher surfactant loadings in detergents and personal care products will drive growth. Among the major markets for amines, personal care products will provide the best growth opportunities, according to Freedonia. Detergents and cleaning products, and agricultural chemicals will remain the two largest amine markets, despite slightly below average gains due to maturity in most applications.

These and other trends are presented in Amines, a 206-page study published in July 2006 from the Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Dr., Cleveland, Ohio 44143. Cost of the study is $4,300. More information is available at www.freedoniagroup.com.