Low TBN
Low TBN Calcium Alkyl Salicylate
TBN 60–90 · Ca content Per TDS
Low-SAPS PCMO, modern gasoline engine oils with tight ash budgets. Ideal where thermal stability and low ash contribution are top priorities.
View detailsCalcium Alkyl Salicylate Detergent — Low-SAPS Ready Supplier | Sinolook
★ Low-SAPS Ready · ACEA C-class & API SP Preferred
The thermally stable detergent for modern low-SAPS engine oils.
Low, Medium and High TBN calcium alkyl salicylate — the detergent of choice for API SP, ILSAC GF-6, ACEA C2 / C3 / C5 and modern low-SAPS PCMO formulations. Higher detergency per gram of sulphated ash than sulfonate or phenate.
3
TBN Grades
60–400+
TBN Range (mg KOH/g)
Low-SAPS
ACEA C-class Ready
60+
Countries Served
About Salicylate Detergents
The premium detergent chemistry for modern emission-controlled engines
Calcium alkyl salicylate is the newest and most thermally stable of the three major detergent chemistries — and the preferred choice for any engine oil that has to satisfy strict emission-system compatibility.
Made by neutralizing alkyl salicylic acid with calcium hydroxide (and over-basing with excess CaO trapped as a CaCO₃ core), the salicylate molecule carries two adjacent functional groups on the benzene ring: a carboxylate (–COO⁻) and a phenolic hydroxyl (–OH). This chelate-like arrangement gives the additive a unique combination of excellent thermal stability, strong detergency per gram of ash, and mild built-in antioxidancy — making it the detergent of choice for modern low-SAPS engine oils, extended-drain HDDO, and any application running at sustained high temperatures.
Why Salicylate Detergents
Three strengths that make salicylate the modern choice
The adjacent carboxylate + phenolic structure delivers properties no other detergent chemistry can match — especially valuable for the emission-controlled, fuel-economy-driven engine oils of the 2020s.
01
Best Thermal Stability
The chelate-like structure between the COO⁻ and adjacent –OH resists thermal decomposition far better than sulfonate or phenate. Detergent stays effective through extended drain intervals — critical for modern PCMO with 10,000–20,000 mile drain targets.
02
Highest Detergency Per Ash
Delivers more detergency and acid neutralization per gram of sulphated ash than sulfonate or phenate. Essential when ACEA C2 / C3 caps sulphated ash at ≤0.8%, and ACEA C5 at ≤0.5% — every gram of ash counts in modern formulations.
03
Built-in Mild Antioxidancy
The phenolic –OH group provides built-in radical scavenging — a smaller contribution than sulfurized alkylphenate, but enough to reduce the load on separate phenolic / aminic antioxidant components, freeing up additive package budget.
Low-SAPS Performance Map
Why salicylate wins the SAPS budget
Modern emission-controlled engine oils cap sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur — the three "SAPS" species that poison catalytic converters, DPF and SCR systems. Salicylate delivers more detergency per gram of ash than sulfonate or phenate, leaving more budget for other performance additives.
In practice, modern ACEA C-class formulations often use salicylate as the primary detergent (1–3% treat) supplemented by a small dose of sulfonate (0.5–1.5%) for additional alkalinity. See sulfonate detergents → and sulfurized alkylphenate detergents →.
Our Calcium Salicylate Range
Three TBN tiers for every formulation target
From low-TBN PCMO with tight ash limits to high-TBN marine cylinder applications — three grades let you fine-tune alkalinity reserve and thermal stability contribution. Click any product for full TDS and bulk-supply quotation.
Medium TBN
Medium TBN Calcium Alkyl Salicylate
TBN 150–200 · Ca content Per TDS
Heavy-duty diesel engine oils, gas engine oils and marine trunk piston (TPEO). Balanced alkalinity reserve with excellent thermal stability.
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High TBN
High TBN Calcium Salicylate
TBN 300+ · Ca content Per TDS
Marine cylinder oils, HDDO API CK-4 / FA-4 and applications requiring maximum acid neutralization with thermal stability. Our most-specified salicylate grade.
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Selection Guide
Calcium salicylate at a glance — TBN, treat rate & application
Quick comparison across all three Sinolook calcium alkyl salicylate grades. Click any row to open the full TDS.
| Product | TBN (mg KOH/g) | Typical Treat Rate | Primary Application | Pairs Well With | TDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low TBN Calcium Salicylate | 60–90 | 1–2% | Low-SAPS PCMO, ACEA C2/C3/C5 | Med-TBN sulfonate | View → |
| Medium TBN Calcium Salicylate | 150–200 | 2–4% | HDDO API CK-4, gas engine, marine TPEO | High-TBN sulfonate | View → |
| High TBN Calcium Salicylate ★ | 300+ | 3–5% | Marine cylinder, sour-crude HDDO | Overbased Ca / Mg sulfonate | View → |
Treat rates indicative for typical formulations. Refer to product TDS for batch-specific specifications and your finished-lubricant target.
Where Calcium Salicylate Excels
Modern PCMO and extended-drain HDDO — salicylate's natural home
Calcium alkyl salicylate is the detergent of choice wherever thermal stability matters and ash budget is tight: low-SAPS gasoline engines with three-way catalysts, extended-drain HDDO with DPF and SCR, and modern fuel-economy formulations.
Why Sinolook Calcium Salicylates
Consistent calcium content, locked-in thermal stability — formulation-ready every batch
Salicylate performance lives or dies by calcium content stability and TBN consistency. Every Sinolook shipment is verified by SGS plus our in-house ASTM lab — so blend after blend, you get the same response curve in your test engine.
ADVANTAGE 01
Tight Ca content and TBN control
ASTM D2896 TBN and ICP calcium content verified on every batch. Consistent calcium-to-TBN ratio — critical for predictable sulphated ash in tight-budget low-SAPS formulations.
ADVANTAGE 02
Co-supply with sulfonate & phenate
Order salicylate alongside sulfonate and sulfurized alkylphenate in one PO — build a complete 3-detergent package from one supplier. Fewer qualifications, one consolidated shipment.
ADVANTAGE 03
Low-SAPS reference formulations
Starting formulations for API SP, ILSAC GF-6, ACEA C2 / C3 / C5 low-SAPS, ACEA E-class HDDO and marine TPEO available on request — including recommended treat ratios with companion sulfonate and dispersant products.
ADVANTAGE 04
Drum to ISO tank, sample to bulk
Start with a 200L drum for formulation qualification, scale to IBC tote, flexitank or ISO tank for commercial supply across 60+ countries.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about calcium salicylate detergents
What is a calcium alkyl salicylate detergent?
A calcium alkyl salicylate detergent is a metal-containing lubricant additive made by neutralizing alkyl salicylic acid with calcium hydroxide, typically with excess calcium oxide trapped inside as a calcium carbonate core. The salicylate molecule has two adjacent functional groups on the benzene ring: a carboxylate group (–COO⁻) and a phenolic hydroxyl group (–OH). This chelate-like arrangement gives the additive three properties at once:
1. Excellent thermal stability — the chelate-like structure resists thermal decomposition;
2. Strong detergency — from the carboxylate's acid-neutralization capability;
3. Mild antioxidancy — from the phenolic hydroxyl's radical-scavenging ability.
Salicylate detergents are the preferred chemistry for modern low-SAPS engine oils such as ACEA C-class and API SP/SQ formulations.
1. Excellent thermal stability — the chelate-like structure resists thermal decomposition;
2. Strong detergency — from the carboxylate's acid-neutralization capability;
3. Mild antioxidancy — from the phenolic hydroxyl's radical-scavenging ability.
Salicylate detergents are the preferred chemistry for modern low-SAPS engine oils such as ACEA C-class and API SP/SQ formulations.
What does "low-SAPS" mean, and why does it matter?
SAPS stands for Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulphur — the three additive-derived species that can poison emission-control systems in modern vehicles: catalytic converters (gasoline), diesel particulate filters (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
Low-SAPS engine oil specifications cap these species at tight limits:
• ACEA C2 / C3: Sulphated ash ≤ 0.8%, P ≤ 0.09%, S ≤ 0.3%
• ACEA C5: Sulphated ash ≤ 0.5%, P ≤ 0.09%, S ≤ 0.3%
• API SP / ILSAC GF-6: P ≤ 0.08%, S limits by viscosity grade
Calcium alkyl salicylate delivers higher detergency and thermal stability per gram of sulphated ash than sulfonate or phenate — making it the natural choice for these tight-budget formulations.
Low-SAPS engine oil specifications cap these species at tight limits:
• ACEA C2 / C3: Sulphated ash ≤ 0.8%, P ≤ 0.09%, S ≤ 0.3%
• ACEA C5: Sulphated ash ≤ 0.5%, P ≤ 0.09%, S ≤ 0.3%
• API SP / ILSAC GF-6: P ≤ 0.08%, S limits by viscosity grade
Calcium alkyl salicylate delivers higher detergency and thermal stability per gram of sulphated ash than sulfonate or phenate — making it the natural choice for these tight-budget formulations.
What is the difference between calcium salicylate, sulfonate and phenate?
All three are overbased metal detergents with a calcium carbonate core, but their surfactant shells differ, giving each a different secondary function:
• Sulfonate — best cost-to-TBN ratio; everyday workhorse for general acid neutralization; no inherent antioxidancy.
• Sulfurized alkylphenate — adds antioxidancy via phenolic ring and sulphur bridges; ideal for high-temperature marine and HDDO.
• Calcium alkyl salicylate — best thermal stability and lowest deposit-formation tendency; mild built-in antioxidancy; preferred for modern low-SAPS PCMO and extended-drain formulations.
Modern engine oils typically combine all three: salicylate for the thermal-stability backbone, sulfonate for cost-effective alkalinity, and phenate (when low-SAPS is not constrained) for additional antioxidancy.
• Sulfonate — best cost-to-TBN ratio; everyday workhorse for general acid neutralization; no inherent antioxidancy.
• Sulfurized alkylphenate — adds antioxidancy via phenolic ring and sulphur bridges; ideal for high-temperature marine and HDDO.
• Calcium alkyl salicylate — best thermal stability and lowest deposit-formation tendency; mild built-in antioxidancy; preferred for modern low-SAPS PCMO and extended-drain formulations.
Modern engine oils typically combine all three: salicylate for the thermal-stability backbone, sulfonate for cost-effective alkalinity, and phenate (when low-SAPS is not constrained) for additional antioxidancy.
Why is salicylate preferred for modern PCMO formulations?
Modern passenger car motor oils (API SP, ILSAC GF-6, ACEA C-class) must simultaneously meet three challenging requirements:
1. Emission-system compatibility — low SAPS to protect three-way catalysts, GPF and DPF;
2. Fuel-economy performance — low viscosity (0W-16, 0W-20), reduced friction;
3. Oil-drain extension — 10,000–20,000 mile drains with no breakdown.
Calcium alkyl salicylate addresses all three:
• Its chelate-like structure resists thermal decomposition far better than sulfonate or phenate — staying effective through extended drains.
• Its high detergency-per-ash ratio fits within tight SAPS limits.
• Its mild antioxidancy contribution reduces the load on separate ZDDP and aminic antioxidant components — freeing up additive package budget for friction modifiers (e.g. MoDTC) that drive fuel economy.
1. Emission-system compatibility — low SAPS to protect three-way catalysts, GPF and DPF;
2. Fuel-economy performance — low viscosity (0W-16, 0W-20), reduced friction;
3. Oil-drain extension — 10,000–20,000 mile drains with no breakdown.
Calcium alkyl salicylate addresses all three:
• Its chelate-like structure resists thermal decomposition far better than sulfonate or phenate — staying effective through extended drains.
• Its high detergency-per-ash ratio fits within tight SAPS limits.
• Its mild antioxidancy contribution reduces the load on separate ZDDP and aminic antioxidant components — freeing up additive package budget for friction modifiers (e.g. MoDTC) that drive fuel economy.
What TBN level should I choose for my formulation?
Choose by formulation type and SAPS budget:
• Low TBN (60–90) — low-SAPS PCMO with tight ash limits and modern gasoline engine oils requiring mild detergency at low treat rate. Typical 1–2% treat.
• Medium TBN (150–200) — heavy-duty diesel, gas engine oils and marine TPEO where additional alkalinity reserve is needed. Treat rate 2–4%.
• High TBN (300+) — marine cylinder oils, HDDO for sour-crude fuels and applications requiring maximum acid neutralization. Treat rate 3–5%.
Salicylate is commonly paired with sulfonate to optimize cost while maintaining thermal stability. Typical ACEA C3 formulation: 1.5% Low-TBN salicylate + 1% Medium-TBN sulfonate, balancing thermal stability against bulk alkalinity at minimum SAPS cost.
• Low TBN (60–90) — low-SAPS PCMO with tight ash limits and modern gasoline engine oils requiring mild detergency at low treat rate. Typical 1–2% treat.
• Medium TBN (150–200) — heavy-duty diesel, gas engine oils and marine TPEO where additional alkalinity reserve is needed. Treat rate 2–4%.
• High TBN (300+) — marine cylinder oils, HDDO for sour-crude fuels and applications requiring maximum acid neutralization. Treat rate 3–5%.
Salicylate is commonly paired with sulfonate to optimize cost while maintaining thermal stability. Typical ACEA C3 formulation: 1.5% Low-TBN salicylate + 1% Medium-TBN sulfonate, balancing thermal stability against bulk alkalinity at minimum SAPS cost.
Can salicylate be used together with sulfonate, phenate and ZDDP?
Yes — modern engine oil formulations frequently use all of them together. A typical ACEA C3 / API SP low-SAPS PCMO uses:
• Calcium alkyl salicylate at 1.5–2.5% as the primary detergent (thermal stability backbone);
• Sulfonate detergent at 0.5–1.5% for additional cost-effective alkalinity;
• Ashless succinimide dispersant at 3–6% for sludge and soot handling;
• ZDDP at 0.7–1.0% for anti-wear and oxidation control (capped by SAPS phosphorus limit);
• Phenolic + aminic antioxidants at 0.5–1.5% for additional oxidation protection.
The salicylate handles thermal stress, sulfonate provides bulk alkalinity, dispersant handles soot, and ZDDP plus separate antioxidants cover wear and oxidation. See sulfonate detergents, ashless dispersants, and ZDDP & antioxidants.
• Calcium alkyl salicylate at 1.5–2.5% as the primary detergent (thermal stability backbone);
• Sulfonate detergent at 0.5–1.5% for additional cost-effective alkalinity;
• Ashless succinimide dispersant at 3–6% for sludge and soot handling;
• ZDDP at 0.7–1.0% for anti-wear and oxidation control (capped by SAPS phosphorus limit);
• Phenolic + aminic antioxidants at 0.5–1.5% for additional oxidation protection.
The salicylate handles thermal stress, sulfonate provides bulk alkalinity, dispersant handles soot, and ZDDP plus separate antioxidants cover wear and oxidation. See sulfonate detergents, ashless dispersants, and ZDDP & antioxidants.
What packaging and MOQ does Sinolook offer for calcium salicylate?
Standard packaging: 200L drum (sample / qualification), 1000L IBC tote (pilot batches), flexitank (~20 MT) and ISO tank container (~20 MT commercial supply). MOQ typically 1 drum for samples and 1 ISO tank for commercial. Global bonded storage across strategic Asia-Pacific hubs enables fast delivery worldwide. HS Code 3811.21 for most calcium salicylate shipments.
Can Sinolook provide TDS, MSDS, COA and starting formulations?
Yes. Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS / SDS in GHS format), and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) are provided for every product in English or Chinese. We can also share reference starting formulations for common applications including:
• API SP PCMO (mid-SAPS)
• ACEA C2 / C3 / C5 low-SAPS PCMO
• ACEA E-class HDDO (API CK-4 / FA-4)
• Marine TPEO (BN 40 / 55 / 70)
• Marine cylinder oils (BN 100+)
With recommended treat-rate ratios using our companion sulfonate, dispersant and ZDDP products. Email sales@sinolook.com or message us on WhatsApp.
• API SP PCMO (mid-SAPS)
• ACEA C2 / C3 / C5 low-SAPS PCMO
• ACEA E-class HDDO (API CK-4 / FA-4)
• Marine TPEO (BN 40 / 55 / 70)
• Marine cylinder oils (BN 100+)
With recommended treat-rate ratios using our companion sulfonate, dispersant and ZDDP products. Email sales@sinolook.com or message us on WhatsApp.
Ready to source calcium alkyl salicylate from Sinolook?
Tell us the TBN tier, target specification (API SP, ACEA C3, CK-4, marine cylinder, etc.) and volume — we'll respond within 24 hours with TDS, reference treat rate and a delivered quotation.
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