Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate

Description

 Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) a kind of antioxidant and anti-corrosion agent. This product features excellent anti-oxidation and anti-wear performance, which can effectively solve the problem of engine cam and tappet’s abrasion and corrosion. It can be widely applied to various oils, especially for high grade gasoline engine oil.

Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate, also referred to as secondary ZDDP, is a variation of the zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive used in lubricants. It is similar to ZDDP, but instead of primary alkyl alcohols, it is produced with secondary alkyl alcohols.

Secondary ZDDP offers similar benefits to ZDDP, including antiwear and antioxidant properties. Like ZDDP, it forms a protective film on metal surfaces, minimizing friction and wear. It also provides excellent oxidation resistance, preventing the breakdown and degradation of lubricants.

One advantage of secondary ZDDP is its improved thermal stability compared to ZDDP. This makes it particularly suited for applications that involve high temperatures, such as in high-performance engines or heavy-duty industrial machinery.

Secondary ZDDP is commonly used in a range of lubricants, including engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, and greases. It is effective in protecting critical engine components, such as camshafts, gears, and bearings, from wear and corrosion.

However, similar to ZDDP, the use of secondary ZDDP has been reduced in recent years due to concerns about its impact on catalytic converters in modern gasoline engines. As a result, newer lubricants may contain lower levels of secondary ZDDP or alternative antiwear additives.

In summary, secondary dialkyl dithiophosphate is an additive used in lubricants to provide antiwear and antioxidant capabilities. Its improved thermal stability makes it suitable for high-temperature applications, though its use may be limited in certain applications due to potential compatibility issues with catalytic converters.

Reference Dosage

The ordinary percentage in usage is 0.5%-2.5%.

Here’s a breakdown of its properties and functions:

1. Anti-Wear Protection: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate forms a protective film on metal surfaces under high-pressure conditions. This film helps prevent metal-to-metal contact and reduces wear on engine components such as camshafts, lifters, and bearings.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate acts as an antioxidant, helping to inhibit the oxidation of the oil. Oxidation can lead to the formation of sludge, varnish, and other harmful deposits in the engine. By slowing down oxidation reactions, ZDDP helps maintain oil stability and prolongs the service life of the lubricant.
3. Friction Modifier: In addition to its anti-wear and antioxidant properties, ZDDP can also act as a friction modifier. It helps reduce friction between moving parts, improving fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.
4. Shear Stability: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate provides shear stability, meaning it retains its effectiveness even under high-shear conditions commonly encountered in engine operation.
5. Compatibility: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate is compatible with a wide range of base oils and other additives commonly used in lubricant formulations. However, it can interact with certain other additives, such as detergents and dispersants, so careful formulation is required to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
6. Application: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate is commonly used in engine oils for both gasoline and diesel engines, as well as in other lubricants where anti-wear and antioxidant properties are required, such as hydraulic fluids and gear oils.

 

It offers several key benefits for engine performance and protection:

Extreme Pressure (EP) Protection: Under high pressure and shearing forces experienced during metal-to-metal contact, ZDDP decomposes to form a protective film on metal surfaces. This film acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing wear and reducing friction between parts, especially critical for components like cams and lifters.

Anti-Wear Properties: Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate also contributes to overall wear reduction by creating a boundary layer between metal components. This layer helps prevent metal-to-metal contact, even under high loads or boundary lubrication conditions.

Oxidation Resistance: Some ZDDP formulations offer mild antioxidant properties, helping to slow down the breakdown and thickening of the oil over time. This can help maintain oil viscosity and performance for longer intervals.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider with ZDDP:

Environmental Concerns: During combustion, ZDDP can break down into compounds harmful to some aquatic life. As a result, there’s a growing focus on developing more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Corrosiveness to some metals: In certain bearing materials, particularly silver and some copper alloys, ZDDP can be slightly corrosive. It’s crucial to ensure compatibility with the specific bearing metals used in your equipment.

Depletion: Under extreme pressure and high temperatures, ZDDP can deplete over time, reducing its effectiveness. This is a concern for applications with very demanding operating conditions.

Overall, Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate is a versatile and effective additive that plays a crucial role in protecting engine components, improving lubricant performance, and extending the service life of machinery and equipment. However, its usage has decreased in recent years due to concerns about its impact on emissions control systems in modern vehicles, particularly catalytic converters. As a result, lubricant manufacturers have been developing alternative additive technologies to replace or reduce the use of ZDDP while still maintaining the desired levels of performance and protection.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Formulation specific: The effectiveness and potential drawbacks of ZDDP can vary depending on the specific formulation and concentration used in the lubricant.
Alternatives available: There are environmentally friendly EP additives being developed that may offer similar performance to ZDDP.
Consult the lubricant manufacturer’s recommendations: Always check the product information or consult the manufacturer to ensure the lubricant containing Zinc Secondary Dialkyl Dithiophosphate is suitable for your specific application and equipment type.