Engine oils use a range of anti-wear additives to protect critical components from wear damage during operation. Anti-wear additives form protective films on metal surfaces that keep them separated under boundary lubrication conditions.
ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) has been one of the most widely used anti-wear additives since its introduction in the 1940s. ZDDP decomposes under frictional heat and pressure to form protective tribofilms on surfaces like camshafts and valve train components.
Other anti-wear additives include metal dithiocarbamates, phosphate esters, and copper lead diorganodithiocarbamate. Ashless additives like organo-molybdenum compounds have also grown in use. Formulations often use a combination of chemistries.
Anti-wear additives plate out on critical wear zones during initial engine operation to establish protective films. These chemical films minimize wear by preventing direct metal-on-metal contact during critical start-up and boundary lubrication conditions.
For high performance anti-wear additive solutions, connect with Valorem Chemicals.
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