Cologne-based specialty chemicals producer Lanxess has commissioned a new line for synthesis of its Additin brand dimercaptothiadiazole (DMTD) derivatives at its plant in Mannheim, Germany.

The new line that cost a “single-digit-million-euro sum” to build doubles production capacity of the multifunctional additives that are added to lubricants. Lanxess said the new capacity is in response to growing demand.

Martin Säwe, head of the Lubricant Additives business line in Lanxess’ Additives (ADD) business unit, said the new plant will enable the company to meet requirements for high-quality lubricant additives, but also help it acquire new customers and further develop its own package solutions for a rapidly growing market.

Among other applications, DMTD derivatives are used as corrosion protection for lubricants such as industrial oils, greases, and metalworking fluids that come in contact with isteel alloys containing nonferrous metals such as copper, nickel or cobalt. They prevent the leaching of nonferrous metal ions from the alloy, protect the metal surface from aggressive chemicals, and thus guarantee the integrity and longevity of steel alloys.

Thanks to their metal-surface bond, the additives also act as lubricants, even when under extreme conditions, and high pressures metal surfaces start contacting each other, as Lanxess explains. DMDT products also interact with and absorb aggressive chemical breakdown products in the lubricant, which could otherwise cause material damage in the long term.