Low-TBN Calcium Sulfonate
Low-base (neutral) calcium sulfonate — a rust inhibitor and detergent base for lubricants, rust preventives and metalworking fluids. Low TBN, strong surfactant and corrosion-protection performance.
The neutral sulfonate for rust protection and surfactancy
Low-TBN calcium sulfonate carries little or no excess base, which makes it a workhorse rust inhibitor and surfactant rather than a high-TBN acid neutralizer.
With a low Total Base Number, low-TBN (neutral) calcium sulfonate is chosen mainly for its rust and corrosion protection and surfactant properties rather than acid neutralization. It forms a protective, water-displacing film on metal surfaces, making it valuable in rust-preventive oils, lubricants and metalworking fluids. It is often paired with overbased calcium sulfonate so the formulator can dial in both corrosion protection (neutral) and TBN reserve (overbased) independently. It belongs to the sulfonate detergent family.
Low-TBN Calcium Sulfonate — typical properties
Representative typical values for low-TBN calcium sulfonate. Indicative only — exact values vary by grade and are confirmed on the TDS and batch COA.
| Property | Typical Value | Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown viscous liquid | Visual |
| Total Base Number (TBN) | ~0–50 mg KOH/g | ASTM D2896 · low-base |
| Calcium content | ~1.5–3 wt% | Grade-dependent |
| Kinematic viscosity (100°C) | ~30–120 mm²/s | ASTM D445 |
| Flash point (COC) | > ~170 °C | ASTM D92 |
| Density (15°C) | ~0.95–1.05 g/cm³ | Typical |
| Sulphated ash | Low | ASTM D874 |
Typical values for guidance only — not a specification. Request the TDS for the specific grade you need; the COA reports actual measured values for your batch.
Where low-TBN calcium sulfonate is used
Rust-Preventive Oils
Primary rust inhibitor forming a water-displacing protective film on ferrous surfaces.
Lubricating Oils
Corrosion protection and surfactancy in engine and industrial oils, alongside overbased detergents.
Metalworking Fluids
Provides corrosion protection and emulsification in neat and soluble metalworking fluids.
Greases
Calcium sulfonate also serves as a base for calcium sulfonate complex greases and as a rust additive.
Why formulators choose low-TBN calcium sulfonate
Strong rust protection
Forms a tenacious, water-displacing film on metal — excellent corrosion protection in lube and rust-preventive applications.
Surfactant performance
Good emulsification and surface activity for metalworking fluids and detergency support.
Pairs with overbased grades
Combine with overbased calcium sulfonate to set corrosion and TBN reserve independently.
From sample drum to ISO tank
Sinolook supplies low-TBN calcium sulfonate at any scale, from formulation samples to commercial bulk, to over 60 countries.
Frequently asked questions
What is low-TBN calcium sulfonate used for?
What is the difference between low-TBN and overbased calcium sulfonate?
Can low-TBN calcium sulfonate be used in metalworking fluids?
What TBN does low-TBN calcium sulfonate have?
Can Sinolook provide TDS, MSDS and COA?
Request low-TBN calcium sulfonate from Sinolook
Tell us your target grade, application and volume — we'll send the TDS, a batch COA and a delivered quotation within 24 hours.
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