| Abstract: | This paper reports on the influence of the micellar structure of additives, for example antioxidant additives, on their performance in lubricants. It is well known that hydrocarbon lubricants have a complex liquid structure depending on the composition of the base oils and the additive packages used. The authors have elsewhere suggested a micellar inhibition mechanism that functions in cases where lubricant compositions comprise both antioxidant and detergent additives. A similar situation is created in strongly degraded lubricants when the micellar‐like structure of the hydrocarbons is due to the interaction of oxidation and degradation products. The mechanism of reverse micelle formation and its influence on the oxidation mechanism and oxidation inhibition activity of different additive types are discussed. The influence of the hydrocarbon chain length of the additives on their activity is also discussed. |
