The term oxidation was originally used to describe reactions in which an element combines with oxygen. For example, the reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen to form magnesium oxide involves the oxidation of magnesium. Oxidation is a process in which a chemical substance changes due to the addition of oxygen.
Technologies and industrial material developments lead companies producing additives and lubricants to develop higher performance lubricants. Besides wear, good surface properties, anti-corrosion protection, one of the key properties is oxidation and thermal stability. The performance of these oils needs to be evaluated using laboratory tests. Thermal and oxidation properties are generally evaluated by the following tests: hydraulic fluids, turbine oils, compressor oils and industrial gear oils.
Lubricating oils are very important products without which no equipment or engine can operate. Businesses focus on the essential properties of oil in industrial systems based on oxidation resistance and thermal stability. In an industrial lubrication system, the lubricant is subject to many constraints such as a wide temperature range, presence of hot spots, evaporation and sometimes a few additions. These difficult service conditions lead manufacturers to seek the most efficient additives as well as thermo-stable base oils.
The oxidation process develops in three stages: initiation, propagation and termination.ma. During the initiation step, oxygen reacts with the lubricant to form alkyl radicals. During the propagation step, these radicals react with oxygen and lubricant to form peroxy radicals and hydroperoxides. With oxygen uptake, hydroperoxides accumulate during the induction period, followed by automatic acceleration of oxidation. Hydroperoxides decompose thermally or in the presence of metals to various additional radicals and oxygen-containing compounds. Oxygen-containing compounds include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
Meanwhile, some parameters deeply affect the oxidation process. For example, the presence of temperature, corrosion metals and water, which must double the rate of oxidation for every ten degree increase. If oxidation is not controlled, lubricant decomposition leads to oil thickening and the formation of resins, deposits and corrosive acids.
Our organization also provides tarnishing and oxidation testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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