Application Bulletin: ZDDP alternative for Premium Engine Oil

Ultrium™ Polyester - Zero-SAPS, Ashless Anti-Wear Technology as a replacement in lubricant formulations

The drive to minimize sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) content in engine oil has intensified primarily to address debits of exhaust aftertreatment catalyst poisoning, improve fuel efficiency, minimize particulate, decrease SOx / NOx emissions.  These advances help to futureproof engine oil amid increased governmental regulations.  

Traditional anti-wear additives such as ZDDP, while highly effective in boundary lubrication regimes, present challenges due to their thermal instability, volatility, and contributions to SAPS levels. This necessitates the development of innovative additive chemistries that maintain engine wear protection and oxidation resistance without relying on traditional aggressive sulfur and phosphorus-based chemistry.

Ultrium Technology in Action Aurorium Ultrium Polyester is a multifunctional polyester-based additive platform developed to address the evolving tribological and durability demands of modern passenger car engine oils. Its chemically engineered ashless architecture—free of sulfur and phosphorus—offers a unique pathway to enhance base oil solvency, deposit control, and oxidative stability, while maintaining compatibility with conventional anti-wear systems such as ZDDP. This enables formulators to optimize additive balance for next-generation low-viscosity formulations, improve fuel economy performance, and meet increasingly stringent OEM and environmental specifications without compromising wear protection or cleanliness.

Key Features of Ultrium Polyester Additive Solution in Premium Engine Oil:

1. Multi-functionality
   All-in-one anti-wear and corrosion resistance solution
2. Extend Durability of Fuel Exhaust Hardware
   Catalyst life is lengthened compared to use of ZDDP
3. Future-proof Emission Requirements
   No sulfur, no phosphorus, no metal content
4. Improved Thermal Stability
   Improved oxidation resistance over traditional ZDDP
5. Security of Supply
   Designed with globally available synthetic raw materials  

Why Choose Ultrium Polyester for your Engine Oil Formulations?

Ultrium Polyester functions by developing a robust boundary film on the internal wetted surfaces, such as piston ring areas thereby providing asperity level protection. In addition to improving lubricity, Ultrium Polyester also contributes to corrosion mitigation and deposit control, further enhancing the reliability of the engine oil under demanding operating conditions. These make Ultrium Polyester a premier choice for formulators seeking to improve hardware protection and system efficiency in advanced engine oil platforms, delivering diverse formulation strategy.

Performance Comparison: Ultrium Polyester as a top-treat in  Premium SAE 5W-30 engine oil

Getting Started with Ultrium Polyester

To learn more about how Ultrium Polyester can improve your engine oil formulations, visit Aurorium.com for technical datasheets, performance insights, and contact us directly for customized recommendations.