In the 1920s, engineers faced a persistent problem: gear teeth in industrial transmissions were literally welding together under extreme pressure, despite being lubricated. The breakthrough came almost by accident when researchers discovered that adding sulfur and phosphorus compounds to mineral oils created a protective chemical film on metal surfaces at high temperatures. This "extreme pressure" (EP) additive technology prevented metal-to-metal contact even when the oil film was squeezed out under massive loads.
The discovery revolutionized heavy industry. What made EP additives remarkable was their clever chemistry—they remain dormant at normal temperatures but activate precisely when friction generates heat, forming a sacrificial layer that protects gear surfaces. This principle remains fundamental to industrial lubrication nearly a century later.
Modern formulations like Reductor TIN 320 CLP continue this tradition, combining oxidation resistance with high-pressure protection for demanding industrial transmission applications.
