SITOLUB - Simulation tools for the design of safe and sustainable lubricants

BECHEM is a member of the four-year European research project SITOLUB, whose purpose is to unite innovative technologies from characterization, simulation, and data analysis into one central platform. The project seeks to implement the EU Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) initiative during the creation of safe and sustainable lubricants. This policy and scientific initiative promotes the early integration of environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable chemical substances into the development of new products and technologies.

SITOLUB strives to integrate characterization data, simulation models, and data analysis tools in a seamless manner. The activities revolve around developing advanced models to evaluate the safety, functionality, and sustainability of alternative raw materials that foster the production of safe and sustainable lubricants. Existing databases are being expanded through new data generation techniques, while models are being integrated into the i‑TRIBOMAT system and validated by external users. The goal is to apply the developed solutions in practice while continually improving them.The project is intensively investigating three specific use cases:

1. Environmentally friendly alternatives to PTFE and PFPE in lubricating greases

The goal is to develop high-performance substitutes for fluoropolymers, whose purpose is to reduce environmental impact without compromising lubrication performance (with PTFE alternatives) or temperature stability (with PFPE alternatives).

2. Sustainable and safe corrosion protection additive for industrial oils and lubricating greases

New additives that prevent corrosion just as effectively as conventional substances, but are also considered safer and more environmentally friendly are being researched.

3. Safe EP additive as a replacement for chlorinated paraffins in forming oils

Alternatives to toxic chlorinated paraffins are being developed to ensure greater safety in the work environment and lower environmental pollution without sacrificing the required lubricity.

The project has an overall budget of over six million euros and unites 12 partners—including universities, research institutions, and companies—from seven different European nations. We are working together to develop and model sustainable lubricants that are specifically targeted toward the market requirements and lead to tangible enhancements in the industry. SITOLUB’s objective is to fundamentally transform the lubricant industry and drive it toward a more sustainable future.