Molybdenum Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (MoDTP) is a multifunctional lubricant additive widely used in engine oils, gear oils, and greases. It combines molybdenum with dithiophosphate ligands, giving it anti-wear, friction-reducing, and antioxidant properties.
🔧 Primary Functions of MoDTP in Lubricants
| Function | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Friction Modifier | Forms a low-friction MoS₂ (molybdenum disulfide) layer on metal surfaces, reducing metal-to-metal contact |
| Anti-wear Agent | Works synergistically with ZDDP to prevent surface damage under boundary lubrication |
| Antioxidant | Inhibits oil oxidation by scavenging free radicals, prolonging oil life |
⚙️ Benefits of Using MoDTP
- ✅ Reduces friction and fuel consumption (up to 1–2% improvement)
- ✅ Protects engine components under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions
- ✅ Enhances thermal stability of engine oil
- ✅ Minimizes wear in start-stop or high-load operations
🧪 Chemical Characteristics
- Organomolybdenum compound
- Oil-soluble
- Often blended with ZDDP, dispersants, and detergents in fully formulated engine oils
- Mo content is typically 300–600 ppm in finished lubricants
📌 Common Applications
| Application | Why It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Engine oils (PCMO & HDMO) | For fuel economy and wear protection |
| Gear oils | To reduce scuffing and wear in high-torque gear systems |
| Greases | For long-term, low-friction lubrication |
| Racing & high-load engines | To handle extreme pressure and temperature |
⚠️ Considerations
- May be expensive compared to traditional additives
- Excessive Mo levels can interact with catalysts in exhaust after-treatment systems (e.g., diesel particulate filters)
- Often used in low-SAPS or mid-SAPS oils to compensate for reduced ZDDP levels
Table of Contents
Molybdenum dialkyl dithiophosphate, also known as MoDTP, is a chemical compound that has many applications in lubricants and engine oil additives. Its primary role is related to improving lubricity and wear protection in engines and other moving machinery.
Here are some of the important functions and properties of molybdenum dialkyl dithiophosphate:
Reduced wear:
MoDTP acts as an anti-wear agent, forming a protective film on metal surfaces in contact. This helps reduce friction and wear on engine parts, extending the life of moving parts.
Improved Lubricity:
MoDTP improves the oil’s lubricating properties, facilitating the smooth movement of engine parts and reducing friction, which in turn contributes to more efficient operation and less heat generation.
Corrosion Protection:
In addition to its function as an anti-wear agent, MoDTP can also provide corrosion protection, helping to preserve the engine’s metallic surfaces.
Thermal Stability:
MoDTP is known for its stability at high temperatures, which makes it suitable for applications in engines operating under high temperature conditions.
Cold Friction Reduction:
MoDTP can be particularly effective in reducing cold friction, helping to protect engine parts during cold starting when the oil has not yet reached its optimal operating temperature.
It is important to note that MoDTP is used as an additive in lubricating oils, and its concentration can vary depending on the application and product specifications. In addition, the choice and use of additives, including MoDTP, should follow the engine and lubricating oil manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure proper performance and avoid potential compatibility issues or deposit formation.
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Our products:
T207Mo Molybdenyl Dialkyl Dithiophosphate
As a kind of good friction modifier, the product has excellent extreme pressure and anti-wear performance. It can reduce the coefficient of friction between locomotion parts efficiently. In addition, the product has excellent antioxidant. Can be used in internal combustion engine oil.
Welcome to contact us:
Shanghai Minglan Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional lubricant additive manufacturer and supplier. We are committed to providing professional, perfect, effective and satisfying lubrication solutions all the time. Our lubricant additive packages meet the test group specification requirements and feature excellent product performance and reliable quality, so they always maintain the status of technology leader in the lubrication industry. We specialize in providing high quality lubricant additive products with nearly 20 years of experience. As Detergent, Ashless Dispersant, ZDDP, EP Anti-Wear Additive, Anti-Odant, Viscosity Index Improver, Rust Inhibitor, Pour Point Depressor, Engine Oil Additive Pack, Gear Oil Additive Pack, Additive Pack of hydraulic oil and so on.
If you are interested in extreme pressure anti-wear additives then I recommend contacting us, we can provide you with more detailed information on our product offerings and help you select the most suitable extreme pressure anti-wear additives for your lubricant application.
Molybdenum Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (MoDTP) is a premium additive that:
- Reduces friction
- Prevents wear
- Improves oxidation resistance
It’s especially valuable in fuel-efficient engine oil formulations where wear protection must be maintained while lowering phosphorus or ash content.