The global Friction Modifiers Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Type (Fatty acids, Esters & Amides, Functional polymers, Molybdenum Compounds, Nanoparticles), By Application (Transportation Lubricants, Industrial Lubricants).
The market for friction modifiers in 2024 is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced performance in automotive and industrial lubricants. Friction modifiers are chemical additives incorporated into lubricants to reduce friction and wear between moving surfaces, thereby improving energy efficiency and extending equipment life. These modifiers act by forming thin boundary films or surface coatings that reduce metal-to-metal contact and minimize frictional losses. Manufacturers are innovating to develop friction modifiers with tailored properties to meet specific application requirements, such as extreme pressure (EP) performance, compatibility with different base oils, and environmental sustainability. As industries seek to optimize lubricant formulations for demanding operating conditions and regulatory compliance, the demand for high-performance friction modifiers is expected to growing, driving market expansion and fostering innovation in lubricant technology.
The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including ABITEC, ADEKA Corp, Afton Chemical, BASF SE, BRB International, Chevron Corp, Croda International PLC, CSW Industrials Inc, Multisol, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, The Lubrizol Corp, and others.
A prominent trend in the friction modifiers market is the shift towards fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly lubricants. With increasing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction, there is a growing demand for lubricant additives that can improve fuel economy, reduce frictional losses, and minimize environmental impact. Friction modifiers play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of lubricants by reducing friction and wear between moving surfaces, leading to smoother operation and prolonged equipment life. This trend is driven by regulatory mandates for vehicle fuel efficiency standards, consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, and advancements in lubricant technology aimed at optimizing engine performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A significant driver propelling the friction modifiers market is automotive industry innovations and emissions reduction goals. As automotive manufacturers strive to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations and improve vehicle fuel efficiency, there is a growing demand for lubricant additives that contribute to engine efficiency and emissions reduction. Friction modifiers help minimize energy losses and mechanical wear in internal combustion engines, transmissions, and drivetrain components, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and extended service intervals. The adoption of advanced engine technologies, such as turbocharging, direct injection, and hybridization, further increases the demand for friction modifiers to optimize performance and reliability in modern powertrains.
An opportunity for the friction modifiers market lies in expansion into industrial and wind energy applications. Beyond automotive lubricants, friction modifiers find applications in a wide range of industrial equipment, machinery, and wind turbine systems. In industrial settings, friction modifiers enhance the efficiency and reliability of gearboxes, bearings, hydraulic systems, and metalworking operations by reducing frictional losses and wear. Similarly, in wind energy applications, friction modifiers improve the performance and durability of gearbox lubricants, reducing maintenance costs and downtime for wind turbines. By leveraging their expertise in lubricant additive technology, friction modifier manufacturers can capitalize on opportunities in industrial sectors and renewable energy markets, contributing to improved equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability across various industries.
In the Friction Modifiers Market, the largest segment is Fatty Acids. Fatty acids serve as versatile friction modifiers due to their ability to reduce friction and wear in various applications. One key reason for the dominance of fatty acids is their natural abundance and cost-effectiveness compared to other types of friction modifiers. Derived from natural sources such as animal fats, vegetable oils, and marine oils, fatty acids offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for friction reduction. Additionally, fatty acids exhibit excellent lubricating properties, forming a protective film on metal surfaces to minimize contact and reduce frictional forces. This characteristic makes them highly suitable for use in automotive lubricants, where they contribute to improving fuel efficiency and extending engine life by reducing wear and tear on engine components. Furthermore, the compatibility of fatty acids with a wide range of base oils and additives enhances their versatility and applicability across diverse lubricant formulations. As a result, the Fatty Acids segment is the largest segment in the Friction Modifiers Market, driven by its effectiveness, affordability, and eco-friendly nature.
Within the Friction Modifiers Market, the fastest-growing segment is Transportation Lubricants. In particular, the increasing demand for transportation lubricants, driven by the expanding automotive and aerospace industries, fuels the growth of friction modifiers used in these applications. With rising vehicle production and fleet size globally, there is a corresponding surge in the consumption of lubricants to ensure smooth operation and longevity of automotive engines, transmissions, and other mechanical components. Moreover, stringent regulations mandating the use of low-viscosity lubricants to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions further propel the adoption of friction modifiers in transportation lubricants. Additionally, advancements in lubricant technology, such as the development of synthetic and bio-based lubricants, create opportunities for innovative friction modifier formulations tailored to meet the specific performance requirements of modern transportation systems. As a result, the Transportation Lubricants segment is the fastest-growing segment in the Friction Modifiers Market, driven by the continuous evolution of automotive and aerospace lubrication needs and regulatory mandates aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial LubricantsCountries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
ABITEC
ADEKA Corp
Afton Chemical
BASF SE
BRB International
Chevron Corp
Croda International PLC
CSW Industrials Inc
Multisol
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
The Lubrizol Corp
*- List Not Exhaustive
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction to 2024 Friction Modifiers Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain
2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations
3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.2 Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.3 Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.4 Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.5 Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Friction Modifiers Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Friction Modifiers Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Friction Modifiers Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Friction Modifiers Industry
5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Friction Modifiers Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook
6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts
7 Global Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Friction Modifiers Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
8 North America Friction Modifiers Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
8.1 Introduction to North America Friction Modifiers Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Friction Modifiers Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
9 Europe Friction Modifiers Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
9.1 Introduction to Europe Friction Modifiers Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
10 Asia Pacific Friction Modifiers Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Friction Modifiers Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Friction Modifiers Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
11 South America Friction Modifiers Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
11.1 Introduction to South America Friction Modifiers Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Friction Modifiers Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
12 Middle East and Africa Friction Modifiers Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Friction Modifiers Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Friction Modifiers Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Friction Modifiers Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
ABITEC
ADEKA Corp
Afton Chemical
BASF SE
BRB International
Chevron Corp
Croda International PLC
CSW Industrials Inc
Multisol
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
The Lubrizol Corp
14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise
By Type
Organic
- Fatty acids
- Esters & Amides
- Functional polymers
Inorganic
- Molybdenum Compounds
- Nanoparticles
By Application
Transportation Lubricants
-Commercial Vehicle
-Passenger Vehicle
-Aviation
-Marine
Industrial Lubricants
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
Global Friction Modifiers Market Size is valued at $1.2 Billion in 2024 and is forecast to register a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% to reach $1.7 Billion by 2032.
Emerging Markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Americas present robust growth prospects.
ABITEC, ADEKA Corp, Afton Chemical, BASF SE, BRB International, Chevron Corp, Croda International PLC, CSW Industrials Inc, Multisol, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, The Lubrizol Corp
Base Year- 2023; Estimated Year- 2024; Historic Period- 2018-2023; Forecast period- 2024 to 2032; Currency: Revenue (USD); Volume