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A New Milestone for Petrovietnam in its Journey of Innovation and Technological Mastery
The specialized CNT/Graphene additive system, designed to enhance performance and reduce consumption for lubricants and paints, is the result of a fully integrated R&D and production process from laboratory to commercialization. The collaborative model between the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) and production–business units has proven to be an effective solution, shortening the technology transfer process and accelerating commercialization.
“Made in Vietnam” Nano Carbon Additives
Based on research results, the Center for Research and Development of Petroleum Processing under the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) – part of the Party Committee for Science Research and Training – successfully completed the production of the CNT/Graphene Additive System on June 30, 2025. This specialized additive, developed through a fully closed-loop process from laboratory to commercialization, is designed to improve performance and reduce consumption in lubricants and paints.
According to Mr. Phan Minh Quoc Binh, VPI Deputy Director and Rector of the Vietnam Petroleum University (PVU), the product delivers outstanding economic, technical, and social value.
In lubricants, the additive reduces friction, saves fuel, limits emissions, and improves equipment and vehicle operating efficiency. The product has been successfully commercialized at PVOIL Lubricants Joint Stock Company (PVOIL Lube), marking an important milestone in the development of domestic Graphene/CNT nano technology.
In industrial paints, the nano additive enhances corrosion resistance, increases adhesion, and extends coating durability, especially for offshore and outdoor steel structures. The nano Graphene paint product was developed in cooperation between VPI and PetroVietnam Maintenance and Repair Corporation (PVMR).
Mr. Nguyen Van Tu, Acting Director of VPI, stated that during the product deployment phase, VPI established and optimized the manufacturing process for the nano carbon (CNT/Graphene) additive system, strictly controlling production technology for each pilot batch, and assessing quality according to ASTM international standards.
Analysis results showed that key technical indicators – such as graphene stability, viscosity, flash point, and dispersion concentration – met international benchmarks, demonstrating VPI’s capability to master the entire process from research and testing to production.
The development and application of the CNT/Graphene Additive System was achieved through collaboration between research entities and production, testing, and commercialization partners (including PVOIL Lube and PVMR). This model, built on a closed-loop process from laboratory to commercialization, shortens technology transfer time, increases market readiness, and reduces risks during the trial phase.
Advancing Low-Carbon Materials
The R&D and production of the CNT/Graphene Additive System is significant not only in technical terms but also in contributing to the strategy of developing low-carbon materials, supporting the “greening” of Vietnam’s energy industry.
In lubricants, the additive reduces friction, enhances lubrication, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers engine emissions. Notably, its mechanism creates an ultra-thin protective nano-scale film that self-arranges on metal surfaces, reducing friction by up to 15%, saving about 5% in fuel consumption, and extending engine life.
In technical coatings, Graphene acts as a nano-barrier preventing water vapor, oxygen, and salt ions from contacting metal surfaces, thereby improving corrosion resistance by 20–30% without affecting the curing properties of the paint. The CNT/Graphene additive has been applied to epoxy technical coatings, increasing salt spray durability, improving adhesion, and extending service life in highly corrosive environments such as marine areas and outdoor steel structures.
Sharing about the production process, Mr. Pham Ngoc Kien, representing the research team, said: “The biggest challenge for our team was mastering and strictly controlling the core technology – dispersing CNT and Graphene at the nano scale into two entirely different base materials: lubricants and technical coatings. We faced issues such as nano particle agglomeration, rapid sedimentation, and loss of activity – long-standing problems in this field.”
To overcome these challenges, the team conducted numerous trials, including selecting suitable solvents, fine-tuning power and release time, and modifying particle surface treatment. Additionally, every stage of the technical process – from sample weighing and mixing to quality testing according to ASTM standards – was subject to strict control.
Driving an Innovation Ecosystem
At the plaque-awarding ceremony for Outstanding Projects and Products celebrating the 4th Congress of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) for the 2025–2030 term, Mr. Tran Quang Dung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Petrovietnam Party Committee, praised the creativity of VPI and its partners (PVOIL, PVMR).
He also directed the continued expansion of production and prioritized the use of nano Graphene additives in Petrovietnam’s lubricant and coating products.
Mr. Dung emphasized that the product carries four key meanings:
- Demonstrates a rigorous and effective scientific research process.
- Creates a high-value product with timely applicability.
- Contributes to the “dual transformation” strategy – converting traditional oil and gas resources into high value-added products while reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Strengthens cohesion and cooperation within Petrovietnam’s ecosystem, enhancing the Group’s competitiveness in the market.
According to Mr. Phan Anh Minh, Member of the Petrovietnam Party Committee’s Executive Board and Secretary of the Party Committee for Science Research and Training, during the 2025–2030 term, the Committee aims to build a comprehensively strong organization, playing a central and pioneering role in scientific research, innovation, and high-quality human resource training for the Group. It seeks to closely connect the three pillars of research – training – and technology application in Vietnam’s industrial and energy sectors.
The successful production of the CNT/Graphene Additive System in a short period demonstrates the spirit of creative labor within the Party Committee for Science Research and Training and the scientific community in the Petrovietnam ecosystem. It aligns with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW (December 22, 2024) of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, while also celebrating the success of the 4th Congress of the Petrovietnam Party Committee (2025–2030 term) and toward the 50th anniversary of the Group (1975–2025).
Source: Petrovietnam