The market for friction modifiers is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% globally during the forecast period.

  • Increasing applications for friction-less lubricants and the growing demand from the automotive industry in developing countries are driving the market growth.
  • The outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to hinder the market growth of the friction modifiers.



Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand from Automotive and Industrial Sectors

  • Friction Modifiers are additives that are commonly used in lubricant applications to reduce the coefficient of friction and improve lubricity and energy efficiency in machines.
  • Friction modifiers are also called boundary lubrication additives. Esters, fatty acids, and other solid materials such as graphite and molybdenum are used for friction reduction purposes.
  • Inorganic friction modifiers are in high demand and are being used for different industrial and automotive applications. The major applications for friction modifiers are automotive parts.
  • Friction modifiers are added to lubricants that are being used in internal combustion engines and transmissions. Key applications of friction modifiers include automatic and manual transmissions, hydraulic systems, power steering, shock absorbers, and metalworking applications.
  • Friction modifier properties help in reducing friction and increase fuel efficiency and can also prevent metal scoring, reduce engine wear and noise, and help to prevent micropitting of metal surfaces when used in industrial gear lubricants.
  • The usage of combustion engine vehicles in developing countries such as India, Indonesia, Africa, and other some Middle-Eastern countries has been increasing in recent years. Expanding the transportation sector is one of the primary reasons for the increase in the demand for friction modifiers from the automotive segment in recent times.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 on every region led to a shutdown in production and manufacturing units. Due to this, there is an estimated decrease in the usage and demand for friction modifiers from different sectors in recent times.
  • However, the growth potential from the automotive sector and rapid industrialization in developing countries are expected to drive the market for friction modifiers through the years to come.



Asia Pacific Region to Dominate the Market

  • Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global market owing to the highly developed automotive sector in China, India, and Japan, coupled with the marine and industrial sectors in the region in recent years.
  • The expansion of the marine industry in Asia-Pacific is expected to increase the demand for friction modifiers. According to the Marine Insight, South Korea, China and Japan are leading countries in the production and usage of various ships for different purposes.
  • According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), Asia-Pacific leads global automobile production in recent years. China is the largest producer of automobiles and accounts for more than 28% of the global share in recent years.
  • Friction modifiers also help the aerospace sector in increasing fuel efficiency. The Aerospace industry in Asia-Pacific has witnessed decent growth in the previous years. Due to this, there was more usage of friction modifiers in this region.
  • Asia-Pacific is the largest lubricant consumer in the region, and the world, followed by Europe. The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the economic growth of all the countries at present, as almost all the manufacturing and service sectors have been haulted due to lockdown.
  • Moreover, the expected increase in various manufacturing industries and the potential automotive sector in India and other ASEAN countries, are expected to support the demand for friction modifiers through the years to come.



Competitive Landscape

The friction modifiers market is partially consolidated in nature with few major players competing in the market. Some of the major companies are BASF SE, Croda International PLC, Afton Chemical Corporation, ADEKA CORPORATION, and Chevron Oronite Company LLC, among others.

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