- AW additive
AW additives, or antiwear additives, are additives for
lubricants to prevent metal-to-metal contact between parts ofgear s.EP additives are usually used in applications such as gearboxes, while AW additives are used with lighter loads such as bushings.AW additives typically contain
zinc andphosphorus compounds.Some popular AW additives are:
*zinc dithiophosphate (ZDP)
*zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP), probably the most widely used in formulatedengine oil s, also acts as acorrosion inhibitor andantioxidant
*Tricresyl phosphate (TCP), used for high-temperature operation, often used as an AW and EP additive in turbine engine lubricants, and also in some crankcase oils andhydraulic fluid s
*Halocarbon s (chlorinated paraffins ), for extreme pressure operations
*Glycerol mono oleate
*Stearic acid , adhering to surfaces via reversible adsorption process under 150 °C, which limits its use to mild contact conditions.Some formulations use
colloid al PTFE (Teflon ), but its efficiency is controversial.Many AW additives function as EP additives, for example
organophosphate s orsulfur compounds.The mechanism of function of TCP and ZDDP is explained inEP additive s.Under extreme pressure conditions, the performance of AW additives becomes insufficient and designated
EP additive s are required.See also:
*EP additive s
*Oil additive
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