The Antiwear Behavior of TCP in Different Atmospheres and Different Base Stocks

Abstract
TCP, as an antiwear and EP agent, has been studied in different hydrocarbon base stocks and in different atmospheres. It is much less effective in base stocks containing condensed-ring aromatics and in atmospheres of high relative humidity. Although the exact mechanism of TCP's action is still not clear, it does not appear to involve a prior hydrolysis to acid phosphate. Also, TCP is just as effective, relative to the base stock, in an inert atmosphere as in air.