In machinery consisting of metal components, the parts may rub against each other. No matter how lightly this may occur, it can cause wear at the contact points. To reduce the costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment and to encourage longevity, the base oil used includes anti wear friction modifiers.
What Are Anti Wear Friction Modifiers?
Friction modifiers are designed to minimize the contact of surfaces. This includes both rolling and sliding. The strength of these anti-wear agents will depend upon the type of surface contact.
Light anti-wear agents or friction modifiers perform the role of boundary lubrication best if the contact is light. If it is not, the molecules used will not provide the desired cushioning effect when one surface encounters the other. Instead of protecting, the molecules will be brushed off with attrition of the machinery resulting.
Fortunately, stronger friction modifiers are available. These are classified as anti-wear additives. They still possess a polar end (head) and an oil-soluble end (tail) designed thus to perform their tasks. However, the molecular structure of this type of anti-wear friction modifier ensures the additive can handle the increased weight of contact. It is not brushed off. It remains adhered to the metal surface of the machinery ensuring cushioning.
Choosing Anti Wear Friction Modifiers
Companies may require modifiers that need only address light contact. However, certain machinery produces more intense interactions. When the metallic contact and loading increase, it becomes necessary to intensify the strength of the additive and amplify the reaction process.