Corrosion inhibitors (CI) are chemical compounds added to lubricants to prevent metal surfaces from corroding. They work by forming a protective layer on the metal surface, which prevents corrosive substances like water and oxygen from reaching the metal. Some can neutralize acidic species that cause corrosion. 

Applications include hydraulic fluids, turbine lubricants, compressor oils, metalworking fluids, rust preventatives, prelubes, engine and driveline lubricants, e-mobility fluids, refrigeration lubricants, marine lubricants, greases, and chain lubricants. 

Rust preventatives or anti-corrosion oils form hydrophobic coatings that protect metal surfaces from exposure to air, water, and other corrosive substances in the environment where the metal parts are stored or transported. The protection period ranges from several weeks for inter-machining protection (while the iron-containing workpiece is being transported or stored), to several years for components (e.g. wire-rope). Our complex sulfonates like Additin® RC 420X and RC 421X are designed for Rust Preventatives (RPs) that are applied to iron and steel. 

Additin® RC 420X and RC 421X are a combination of sulfonates, film formers, wetting agents, solubilizers among other components. Such packages are carefully balanced to provide an already formulated solution to the customer. They are ready to use in anti-corrosion oils (rust preventatives) or the base for further formulation work of e.g. prelubes. 

Corrosion inhibitors in lubricants that interact dynamically with metal parts are necessary for preventing corrosion on the internal surfaces of closed systems. They also help in phase separation, facilitating the easy removal of any water that may have infiltrated the system. Additionally, these inhibitors are highly effective even at low treat rates, making them a cost-efficient solution for long-term corrosion protection. For industrial oils like hydraulic oils or turbine oils we recommend our neutral sulfonates Additin® RC 4205 and RC 4220 or our ashless product series Additin® RC 48xx, respectively. 

Lanxess provides comprehensive technical support through their website, customer service teams, and technical experts who can offer guidance on product selection, application methods, and troubleshooting. In case you need recommendations or guideline formulations for specific applications, please contact our Application Technology team.