Transmission lubricants play a vital role in the operation of mechanical equipment. It not only needs to provide adequate lubrication to reduce friction and wear, but also be able to withstand extreme pressure conditions and prevent metal surfaces from sticking and sintering. In this process, the role of extreme pressure additives cannot be ignored.
First, let’s understand the definition of extreme pressure additives. Extreme pressure additives are special lubricant additives that provide excellent lubrication performance under high temperature, high pressure and high load conditions. The main function of this type of additive is to form a physical or chemical adsorption film on the metal surface to enhance the lubrication effect and prevent metal surface wear and adhesion.
So, which extreme pressure additive gives transmission lubricants their unique smell? The answer is vulcanization additives. This additive plays a vital role in transmission lubricants, and its distinctive smell is produced by the sulfur atoms in its chemical structure.
The main mechanism of action of vulcanized extreme pressure additives includes the following aspects:
Increase oxidation resistance: The sulfur atoms in the vulcanization additive can form a sulfide film with the metal surface at high temperatures, effectively protecting the metal surface from oxidative corrosion.
Reduce friction: Vulcanization additives can form a lubricating film on the metal surface, reducing the friction coefficient, thereby reducing friction.
Prevent sintering and shaft holding: Under extreme pressure conditions, the adsorption performance of vulcanization additives is enhanced and can form a tight adsorption film on the metal surface to prevent sintering and shaft holding on the metal surface.
Improve fuel economy: The sulfur atoms in the vulcanized additive have better fuel economy and can effectively reduce fuel consumption.
To sum up, vulcanized extreme pressure additives give transmission lubricants a unique smell due to their unique chemical structure and excellent lubrication properties. This additive plays a vital role in transmission lubricants. It can not only improve the lubrication effect of equipment, reduce friction and wear, but also effectively prevent equipment from problems such as sintering and shaft holding under extreme pressure conditions. At the same time, it can also improve fuel economy and reduce equipment operating costs. It is these excellent properties that make vulcanization additives an indispensable part of transmission lubricants.
It’s worth noting, however, that different makes and models of transmission lubricants may have different extreme-pressure additive formulations. These formulations may contain a combination of additives to suit different application needs. Therefore, the exact EP additive that gives a transmission lubricant its distinctive smell may vary from product to product.
In general, extreme pressure additives in transmission lubricants play an important role in improving the lubrication performance of equipment, preventing wear and adhesion, and improving fuel economy. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of these additives will help us better select and use suitable transmission lubricants.