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    Friction Modifier Market

    ID: MRFR/CnM/23743-HCR
    111 Pages
    Chitranshi Jaiswal
    October 2025

    Friction Modifier Market Research Report: By Type (Organic Friction Modifiers, Inorganic Friction Modifiers, Ester-Based Friction Modifiers), By Application (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace), By Form (Liquid, Powder, Solid) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035.

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    Friction Modifier Market
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    Friction Modifier Market Summary

    The Global Friction Modifier Market is projected to grow significantly from 5.46 USD Billion in 2024 to 15.25 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Friction Modifier Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.79 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 15.3 USD Billion, indicating robust growth potential.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 5.46 USD Billion, reflecting a strong foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of advanced lubricants due to increasing demand for energy efficiency is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 5.46 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 15.25 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 9.78%

    Major Players

    BASF, Dow, Lubrizol, Afton Chemical, Clariant, Infineum, Croda International, Evonik Industries, Lanxess, Ashland, Chevron, ExxonMobil

    Friction Modifier Market Trends

    The friction modifier market is driven by the increasing demand for automotive lubricants, coupled with rising environmental concerns and stringent regulations on vehicle emissions.

    Friction modifiers reduce friction between moving parts in engines, transmissions, and differentials, improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The growing adoption of electric vehicles, which require specialized friction modifiers, is also contributing to market growth.

    Opportunities within the market include the development of eco-friendly and biodegradable friction modifiers, as well as the exploration of new applications in industrial machinery and other sectors.

    Recent trends in the friction modifier market include the increasing use of synthetic and semi-synthetic modifiers, which offer superior performance and durability compared to conventional mineral-based modifiers.

    The growing adoption of advanced engine technologies, such as direct injection and turbocharging, is also driving demand for high-performance friction modifiers capable of withstanding extreme operating conditions.

    The ongoing evolution of automotive technology appears to drive an increasing demand for advanced friction modifiers, which may enhance performance and efficiency in various applications.

    U.S. Department of Energy

    Friction Modifier Market Drivers

    Rising Demand in Automotive Sector

    The Global Friction Modifier Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand driven by the automotive sector. As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the need for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions becomes paramount. Friction modifiers play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by minimizing friction in engine components. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 5.46 USD Billion, reflecting the automotive industry's ongoing transition towards more sustainable practices. This trend is expected to continue, with the market potentially expanding to 15.3 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a robust compound annual growth rate of 9.79% from 2025 to 2035.

    Market Segment Insights

    Friction Modifier Market Type Insights

    The Friction Modifier Market is divided by Type into Organic Friction Modifiers, Inorganic Friction Modifiers, and Ester-Based Friction Modifiers. The Organic Friction Modifiers segment captured a market share of 40% by 2023.

    However, the Inorganic Friction Modifiers segment is anticipated to be the most rapidly growing during the projection period due to their growing penetration in automotive applications. Organic Friction Modifiers are made from natural substances, such as plant oils and animal fats.

    Operating as biodegradable and having low toxicity, Organic Friction Modifiers are mainly adopted in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

    The Organic Friction Modifiers market is likely to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 9.5% during the projection period. Inorganic Friction Modifiers are synthetic substances based primarily on metal salts or ceramics, offering a higher level of friction reduction and wear resistance.

    Inorganic Friction Modifiers are used mainly in more heavy-duty types of vehicles like trucks, buses, and vehicles used for industrial applications. The Inorganic Friction Modifiers market is projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% through the projection period.

    Friction Modifier Market Application Insights

    The automotive segment held the largest share of the Friction Modifier Market in 2023, and it is projected to continue to dominate the market over the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing production and sales of automobiles worldwide.

    The industrial segment is also expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the rising demand for friction modifiers in industrial applications such as metalworking, mining, and construction.

    The aerospace segment is anticipated to grow at a steady pace, driven by the increasing demand for friction modifiers in aircraft engines and other aerospace applications.

    Overall, the Friction Modifier Market is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand from various end-use industries.

    Friction Modifier Market Form Insights

    The Friction Modifier Market is segmented based on form into liquid, powder, and solid. Among these, the liquid segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023.

    The increasing demand for friction modifiers in the automotive industry, coupled with the rising production of vehicles, is a major factor driving the growth of this segment.

    The liquid form is preferred by manufacturers as it is easy to apply and offers better performance in terms of reducing friction and wear. Moreover, the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is also contributing to the growth of the liquid friction modifier segment.

    The powder and solid segments are also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to their increasing use in industrial applications.

    Get more detailed insights about Friction Modifier Market Research Report-Global Forecast till 2034

    Regional Insights

    The Friction Modifier Market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. The region is home to several major automotive manufacturers, which has led to a strong demand for friction modifiers. The market in Europe is the second largest, followed by APAC.

    The APAC market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 11.2% over the forecast period. The growth in the APAC region is being driven by the increasing production of automobiles in China and India.

    The South American and MEA markets are relatively small, but they are expected to grow at a steady pace over the forecast period.

    Friction Modifier Market Regional Insights

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Major players in the Friction Modifier Market are continuously developing and launching new products to meet the evolving demands of customers.

    Leading Friction Modifier Market players are focusing on strategic collaborations and partnerships to expand their reach and enhance their product portfolio.

    The Friction Modifier Market development is driven by increasing demand from automotive and industrial sectors, as well as government regulations aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.

    The Friction Modifier Market Competitive Landscape is characterized by the presence of both established and emerging players, with each company adopting unique strategies to gain market share.

    Key players are investing in research and development to introduce innovative products and technologies while also focusing on cost optimization to maintain profitability.

    A leading company in the Friction Modifier Market is BASF, which offers a wide range of friction modifiers under its Lupromax brand. BASF's friction modifiers are designed to reduce wear and tear on engine components, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.

    The company has a strong presence and a wide distribution network, which allows it to cater to the needs of customers in different regions.

    BASF also emphasizes sustainability and has developed friction modifiers that comply with environmental regulations and reduce the environmental impact of automotive and industrial operations.

    A competitor company in the Friction Modifier Market is Dow, which offers friction modifiers under its DOWSIL brand. Dow's friction modifiers are known for their high performance and reliability and are used in a variety of applications, including automotive, industrial, and consumer products.

    The company has a strong research and development team that focuses on developing innovative friction modifiers to meet the evolving needs of customers. Dow also has a presence and a wide distribution network, which allows it to reach customers in different regions and industries.

    The company emphasizes customer satisfaction and provides technical support to help customers optimize the use of its friction modifiers.

    Key Companies in the Friction Modifier Market market include

    Industry Developments

    • Q2 2024: Lubrizol Expands Friction Modifier Additives Production Capacity in North America Lubrizol announced the expansion of its North American production facility for friction modifier additives, aiming to meet growing demand from automotive and industrial lubricant manufacturers.
    • Q1 2024: BASF Launches New Friction Modifier for Low-Viscosity Engine Oils BASF introduced a new friction modifier additive designed for next-generation low-viscosity engine oils, targeting improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in passenger vehicles.
    • Q2 2024: Croda Opens New Application Laboratory for Friction Modifiers in Asia Croda International opened a new application laboratory in Singapore focused on the development and testing of friction modifier additives for automotive and industrial lubricants.
    • Q3 2024: Afton Chemical Announces Strategic Partnership with Major OEM for Friction Modifier Development Afton Chemical entered into a strategic partnership with a leading automotive OEM to co-develop advanced friction modifier additives for next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles.
    • Q2 2024: Infineum Unveils New Friction Modifier Technology for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines Infineum launched a new friction modifier technology specifically formulated for heavy-duty diesel engine oils, aiming to enhance fuel economy and engine durability.
    • Q1 2024: Chevron Oronite Expands Friction Modifier Additive Portfolio with Bio-Based Solutions Chevron Oronite announced the addition of bio-based friction modifier additives to its product portfolio, supporting sustainability initiatives in the lubricant industry.
    • Q2 2024: Evonik Launches Next-Generation Friction Modifier for Electric Vehicle Lubricants Evonik introduced a new friction modifier additive tailored for electric vehicle lubricants, designed to reduce wear and improve efficiency in e-mobility applications.
    • Q3 2024: Lanxess Invests in New Production Line for Friction Modifier Additives in Germany Lanxess announced an investment in a new production line at its German facility to increase output of friction modifier additives for the European automotive market.
    • Q2 2024: TotalEnergies and Additiv Partner to Develop High-Performance Friction Modifiers TotalEnergies entered a partnership with Additiv to jointly develop high-performance friction modifier additives for use in advanced engine oils.
    • Q1 2024: Shell Introduces New Friction Modifier Additive for Industrial Gear Oils Shell launched a new friction modifier additive aimed at improving the efficiency and lifespan of industrial gear oils used in manufacturing and power generation.
    • Q2 2024: ExxonMobil Debuts Advanced Friction Modifier for Commercial Vehicle Lubricants ExxonMobil unveiled an advanced friction modifier additive designed to enhance the performance of lubricants used in commercial vehicle fleets.
    • Q3 2024: Petronas Lubricants International Opens R&D Center for Friction Modifier Innovation Petronas Lubricants International opened a new research and development center dedicated to friction modifier innovation, supporting the development of next-generation lubricant additives.

    Future Outlook

    Friction Modifier Market Future Outlook

    The Friction Modifier Market is projected to grow at a 9.78% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing automotive production and demand for energy-efficient lubricants.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop bio-based friction modifiers to meet sustainability demands.
    • Invest in R&D for high-performance additives in electric vehicles.
    • Expand into emerging markets with tailored friction modifier solutions.

    By 2035, the Friction Modifier Market is expected to achieve substantial growth, reflecting evolving industry needs and technological advancements.

    Market Segmentation

    Friction Modifier Market Form Outlook

    • Liquid
    • Powder
    • Solid
    • Friction Modifier Market Regional Outlook

    Friction Modifier Market Type Outlook

    • Organic Friction Modifiers
    • Inorganic Friction Modifiers
    • Ester-Based Friction Modifiers
    • Friction Modifier Market Application Outlook

    Friction Modifier Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Friction Modifier Market Application Outlook

    • Automotive
    • Industrial
    • Aerospace
    • Friction Modifier Market Form Outlook

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 5.46 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025 6.00 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 15.25 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 9.78% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2020 - 2024
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Chemtura, Dow, Lubrizol, Afton Chemical, Clariant, BASF, Infineum, Croda International, Evonik Industries, Lanxess, Ashland, Chevron, ExxonMobil
    Segments Covered Type, Application, Form, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Increased demand in the automotive industry, the growing popularity of electric vehicles, rising fuel prices, stringent emission norms, and technological advancements
    Key Market Dynamics Rising automotive production Growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles Increasing use of automated transmissions Government regulations for lower emissions Technological advancements
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the current size of the Friction Modifier Market?

    The Friction Modifier Market is expected to reach a value of 5.46 billion USD by 2025, exhibiting a steady CAGR over the next decade.

    What is the projected size of the Friction Modifier Market in 2032?

    The Friction Modifier Market is estimated to reach 13.89 billion USD by 2034, representing a significant expansion from its 2025 valuation.

    What factors are driving the growth of the Friction Modifier Market?

    The increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, coupled with stringent emission regulations worldwide, is primarily driving the growth of the Friction Modifier Market.

    Which region is expected to dominate the Friction Modifier Market in the coming years?

    The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to lead the Friction Modifier Market, owing to the rising automotive production and growing awareness of fuel efficiency in countries like China and India.

    What are the key applications of Friction Modifiers?

    Friction Modifiers are primarily used in automotive lubricants, such as engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases. They reduce friction between metal surfaces, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear and tear.

    Who are the major players in the Friction Modifier Market?

    Key players in the Friction Modifier Market include The Lubrizol Corporation, Infineum International Limited, Afton Chemical Corporation, Chevron Oronite Company LLC, and Evonik Industries AG.

    What are the challenges faced by the Friction Modifier Market?

    The Friction Modifier Market faces challenges such as the availability of raw materials, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and intense competition from both established and emerging players.

    What are the opportunities for growth in the Friction Modifier Market?

    The growing demand for electric vehicles and the development of bio-based Friction Modifiers present opportunities for growth in the Friction Modifier Market.

    What are the key trends shaping the Friction Modifier Market?

    Key trends shaping the Friction Modifier Market include the adoption of advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology, and the focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

    What is the expected CAGR of the Friction Modifier Market over the next ten years?

    The Friction Modifier Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2034.

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