Overview
Metallic detergents are organometallic compounds that serve two primary functions: neutralizing acidic by-products of combustion and oxidation (TBN reserve), and keeping metal surfaces free of high-temperature deposits. They are essential components of engine oil additive packages across automotive, heavy-duty diesel, marine, and industrial applications. Three main detergent chemistries are available, sulfonates, phenates, and salicylates, each offered across a range of overbasing levels to suit different TBN and deposit control requirements.
Sulfonate Detergents
Synthetic calcium sulfonates provide excellent detergency, anti-rust, and acid neutralization. Available from low-overbased (neutral) grades for rust inhibition through ultra-high overbased grades for marine cylinder oil and metalworking fluid applications.
| Chemistry | TBN (mgKOH/g) | Ca % |
|---|---|---|
| Low Overbased Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | ≤10 | 1.5–3.0 |
| Low Based Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | 20–35 | ≥2.0 |
| Medium Based Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | ≥145 | ≥6.5 |
| Overbased Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | ≥295 | ≥11.5 |
| Super Overbased Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | ≥395 | ≥14.5 |
| Ultra-high Overbased Synthetic Calcium Sulfonate | 395–415 | 14.5–16.0 |
| Super Overbased Synthetic Magnesium Sulfonate | 395–430 | Mg: 8.5–10.0 |
Phenate Detergents
Sulfurized calcium alkyl phenates combine high-temperature detergency with antioxidant and anticorrosion properties, making them particularly effective for piston cleanliness in gasoline and diesel engine oils.
| Chemistry | TBN (mgKOH/g) | Ca % |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Based Sulfurized Calcium Alkyl Phenate | 150–170 | 5.2–6.0 |
| Overbased Sulfurized Calcium Alkyl Phenate | 240–285 | 8.9–10.5 |
| Super Overbased Sulfurized Calcium Alkyl Phenate | 295–315 | 10.5–12.0 |
Salicylate Detergents
Calcium alkyl salicylates offer excellent hydrolytic stability and high-temperature detergency with low sulfur content, making them well-suited for modern low-emission engine oil formulations.
| Chemistry | TBN (mgKOH/g) | Ca % |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Based Calcium Alkyl Salicylate | ≥160 | ≥5.8 |
| High Based Calcium Alkyl Salicylate | ≥265 | ≥9.5 |
| Super Overbased Calcium Alkyl Salicylate | ≥340 | ≥12.0 |