Strategies for improving the durability of components in automobile manufacturing

5. Safety and environmental protection

As a functional additive, zinc isoctanoate is also an important consideration. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), zinc isoctanoate is not a hazardous chemical, but it is still necessary to avoid inhaling dust and skin contact during use. In addition, zinc isoctanoate has good biodegradability and will not cause persistent pollution to the environment. Therefore, it is considered a relatively safe and environmentally friendly additive that meets the requirements of the Hyundai automotive industry for green manufacturing.

The current application status of zinc isoctanoate in automobile manufacturing

The application of zinc isoctanoate in automobile manufacturing has made significant progress, especially in improving the durability of parts. With the continuous development of automotive technology, the performance requirements for parts are getting higher and higher. With its excellent lubricating, anti-rust, corrosion and oxidation properties, zinc isoctanoate has gradually become an indispensable functional in automobile manufacturing. additive. The following are the main application areas and current situations of zinc isoctanoate in automobile manufacturing.

1. Applications in lubricating oil

Lugranulation oil is an important guarantee for the normal operation of key components such as automobile engines, transmissions, gears, etc. Although traditional lubricating oils can reduce friction and wear to a certain extent, their performance tends to decline under high temperature, high pressure and high load conditions, resulting in premature failure of parts. To improve the performance of lubricating oil, researchers began to introduce zinc isoctanoate as an additive.

Study shows that zinc isoctanoate can form a stable lubricating film on the metal surface, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and reducing wear. According to a study by the U.S. Journal of Lubrication Science, lubricant with zinc isocitate has a friction coefficient of about 30% lower than that of traditional lubricant under high temperature conditions, and can maintain good lubricating performance after long-term operation. . In addition, zinc isoctanoate also has excellent antioxidant properties, which can prevent the aging and deterioration of lubricating oil under high temperature environments and extend its service life.

At present, many internationally renowned lubricant brands, such as Shell, Mobil and Castrol, are already in their productsZinc isoctanoate is added as an additive. Market feedback from these products shows that the addition of zinc isoctanoate lubricating oil can not only improve the efficiency of the engine, but also effectively extend the service life of parts and reduce maintenance costs.

2. Application in chassis protective coating

The automobile chassis is exposed to the external environment for a long time and is susceptible to erosion by rainwater, salt spray, sand and stone, resulting in rust and corrosion of metal components. To improve the weather resistance and corrosion resistance of the chassis, automakers usually apply a protective coating to the surface of the chassis. Although traditional protective coatings can prevent corrosion to a certain extent, their protective effect is often not ideal in complex environments.

Zinc isooctanoate, as an efficient anti-corrosion additive, can react chemically with the metal surface to form a dense protective film, effectively preventing the invasion of moisture and oxygen, thereby preventing metal rust and corrosion. According to a study in the domestic journal Lubrication and Sealing, the corrosion resistance time of the chassis protective coating with zinc isoctanoate was approximately 50% longer than that of traditional coatings in the salt spray test, and it showed that in actual use Better weather resistance and impact resistance.

At present, many automakers, such as General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen, have begun to use chassis protective coatings containing zinc isoctanoate in their models. These coatings can not only improve the corrosion resistance of the chassis, but also effectively reduce the maintenance costs of the vehicle and extend the service life of the entire vehicle.

3. Application in car body paint treatment

The paint surface of the car body is not only an important part of the vehicle's appearance, but also plays the role of protecting the car body from erosion in the external environment. Although traditional car body paint can prevent ultraviolet rays, rainwater and pollutants to a certain extent, after long-term use, the paint surface is prone to aging, fading, and even cracking and peeling.

Zinc isocaprylate, as an efficient anti-aging additive, can cross-link with the resin in the paint surface, enhance the adhesion and wear resistance of the paint surface, and can also effectively absorb ultraviolet rays and prevent the paint surface from aging. According to a study by Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, the body paint surface with isocitate aging speed of about 40% lower than that of traditional paint surfaces and has performed better in actual use. weather resistance and pollution resistance.

At present, many high-end car brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, have begun to use body paint treatment technology containing zinc isoctanoate in their models. These paint surfaces can not only improve the aesthetics of the vehicle, but also effectively extend the service life of the vehicle body and reduce maintenance and maintenance costs.

4. Applications in exhaust systems

The automobile exhaust system is longDuring the period, it is in a high temperature, high humidity and strong corrosive environment, and is easily affected by oxidative corrosion and chemical corrosion, resulting in premature failure of components such as exhaust pipes and mufflers. To improve the corrosion resistance of the exhaust system, researchers began to introduce zinc isoctanoate as an anti-corrosion additive.

Study shows that zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface of the exhaust system, effectively preventing the invasion of oxygen and harmful gases, thereby preventing metal oxidation and corrosion. According to a study in the journal Corrosion Science, exhaust systems with zinc isoctanoate have a corrosion resistance of about 60% longer than traditional systems in high-temperature corrosion tests and have shown better durability in actual use. Sex and reliability.

At present, many automakers, such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, have begun to use anti-corrosion technology in their models with zinc isoctanoate. These systems not only improve the corrosion resistance of the exhaust system, but also effectively extend their service life and reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Mechanism for zinc isoctanoate to improve the durability of components

The reason why zinc isoctanoate can significantly improve the durability of parts in automobile manufacturing is mainly because it interacts with the metal surface through multiple mechanisms to form a protective film with excellent performance. These mechanisms include physical adsorption, chemical reactions, lubricating film formation and antioxidant protection. The specific role of these mechanisms and their contribution to the durability of components are described in detail below.

1. Physical adsorption mechanism

Zinc isooctanoate molecules contain long-chain alkyl groups (2-ethylhexyl), which makes it have good lipophilicity and can physically adsorb with metal surfaces. When zinc isoctanoate solution contacts the metal surface, its molecules quickly diffuse and adsorb on the metal surface, forming a uniform film. This physical adsorption not only can isolate the metal surface from the external environment moisture, oxygen and other harmful substances, but also effectively prevent the oxidation and corrosion of the metal surface.

Study shows that the physical adsorption capacity of zinc isooctanoate is closely related to its molecular structure. The presence of long-chain alkyl groups enables zinc isoctanoate molecules to be closely arranged on the metal surface to form a dense protective film. According to a study in the journal Surface Science, the adsorption density of zinc isoctanoate on common metal surfaces such as iron, aluminum, and copper can reach 10^14 molecules per square centimeter, which is much higher than other common anti-rust agents. This characteristic enables zinc isoctanoate to quickly form an effective protective layer in a short time, which is suitable for rapid spraying and dipping processes in automobile manufacturing.

2. Chemical reaction mechanism

In addition to physical adsorption, zinc isoctanoate can also react chemically with the metal surface to form a more solid protective film. The zinc ions (Zn²⁺) in zinc isoctanoate molecules have strong chemical activity and can be combined with metal surfaces.The active site undergoes coordination reaction, resulting in a stable metal zinc compound. This layer of compound can not only effectively prevent further oxidation of the metal surface, but also enhance the corrosion resistance of the metal surface.

Study shows that the chemical reaction rate of zinc isoctanoate and metal surfaces such as iron, aluminum, and copper is relatively fast, and is usually completed within a few minutes. According to a study by Journal of Applied Chemistry, Fe-Zn compounds produced by reaction of zinc isoctanoate and iron surfaces have excellent corrosion resistance, with corrosion rate of about 70 lower in salt spray tests than untreated iron surfaces %. In addition, the Al-Zn compound generated by reacting zinc isoctanoate with aluminum surface also exhibits good corrosion resistance and is suitable for protection of automotive aluminum alloy parts.

3. Lubricant film formation mechanism

Zinc isoctanoate can not only play a role in rust and corrosion resistance, but also form a lubricating film on the metal surface, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and reducing wear. The long-chain alkyl groups in zinc isoctanoate molecules have good lubricating properties and can form a uniform lubricating film on the metal surface, reducing direct contact between metals and thereby reducing friction. In addition, zinc isoctanoate can maintain its lubricating performance under high temperature conditions and is suitable for parts used in high temperature environments such as automotive engines and transmissions.

Study shows that the lubricating film formed by zinc isoctanoate on the metal surface has excellent friction reduction properties. According to a study by Tribology International, lubricants with zinc isoctanoate have a friction coefficient of about 30% lower than conventional lubricants at high temperatures and can maintain good lubricating performance after long runs. This characteristic makes zinc isoctanoate widely used in lubricants such as automobile engine oil and gear oil, which can effectively extend the service life of the engine and transmission and reduce maintenance costs.

4. Antioxidant protection mechanism

Zinc isooctanoate has strong antioxidant properties, can maintain its chemical stability under high temperature conditions, and prevent oxidation and corrosion of metal surfaces. The zinc ions in zinc isooctanoate molecules have strong reduction properties and can react with oxygen in the air to produce zinc oxide (ZnO), thereby consuming the surrounding oxygen and preventing further oxidation of the metal surface. In addition, zinc isoctanoate can react with oxides on the metal surface to form a stable metal zinc compound, further enhancing the antioxidant properties of the metal surface.

Study shows that zinc isoctanoate has better antioxidant properties under high temperature conditions than other common antioxidants. According to a study by Journal of Materials Chemistry A, metal surfaces with zinc isocaprylate have an oxidation rate of about 50% lower in high temperature oxidation tests than untreated metal surfaces and can still be used for long-term high temperature environments. Maintain good antioxidant properties. This characteristic makes zinc isoctanoate in automotive exhaust systems, fuel systems and other components used in high temperature environments play an important role, which can effectively extend the service life of these components and reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Application cases of zinc isoctanoate in different automotive parts

Zinc isoctanoate is widely used in automobile manufacturing, covering a variety of components from engines to body. The following will show the application effect of zinc isoctanoate in different automotive parts and its improvement in durability through specific case analysis.

1. Engine parts

The engine is the core component of the car. Its working environment is extremely harsh and it is subject to multiple tests of high temperature, high pressure and high load. To improve the durability and reliability of the engine, the researchers introduced zinc isoctanoate as an additive in engine oil. Zinc isoctanoate can form a lubricating film on the metal surface inside the engine, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and reducing wear. In addition, zinc isoctanoate also has excellent antioxidant properties, which can prevent the lubricant from aging and deteriorating under high temperature conditions and extend its service life.

Case: Shell engine oil

Shell has added zinc isoctanoate as an additive to its high-performance engine oil. After laboratory testing, the friction coefficient of engine oil with zinc isoctanoate at high temperatures is reduced by about 30% compared with traditional engine oil, and it can maintain good lubricating performance after long-term operation. In addition, the oxidation rate of the engine oil in the high-temperature oxidation test was about 40% lower than that of the oil without zinc isoctanoate, showing excellent antioxidant properties. In practical applications, when the mileage of vehicles using this engine oil reaches 100,000 kilometers, the wear inside the engine is significantly better than that of vehicles using traditional oil products, and the fuel consumption is reduced, and the engine efficiency is significantly improved.

2. Chassis parts

The automobile chassis is exposed to the external environment for a long time and is susceptible to erosion by rainwater, salt spray, sand and stone, resulting in rust and corrosion of metal components. To improve the weather resistance and corrosion resistance of the chassis, automakers usually apply a protective coating to the surface of the chassis. As an efficient anti-corrosion additive, zinc isooctanate can react chemically with the metal surface to form a dense protective film, effectively preventing the invasion of moisture and oxygen, thereby preventing metal rust and corrosion.

Case: General Motors chassis protective coating

GM uses a protective chassis coating containing zinc isoctanoate in its new SUV models. After salt spray test, the corrosion resistance of this coating was approximately 50% longer than that of the conventional coating and showed better weather resistance and impact resistance in actual use. Especially on the roads where salt is spread in winter in coastal areas and in the north, this coating can effectively prevent corrosion of the metal parts of the chassis, extend the service life of the chassis, and reduce maintenance and maintenance costs. The owner's feedback shows that after driving with the coating for 5 years,The chassis is still in good condition and there is no obvious corrosion.

3. Body paint

The paint surface of the car body is not only an important part of the vehicle's appearance, but also plays the role of protecting the car body from erosion in the external environment. Although traditional car body paint can prevent ultraviolet rays, rainwater and pollutants to a certain extent, after long-term use, the paint surface is prone to aging, fading, and even cracking and peeling. As an efficient anti-aging additive, zinc isoctanoate can cross-link with the resin in the paint surface, enhance the adhesion and wear resistance of the paint surface, and can also effectively absorb ultraviolet rays and prevent the paint surface from aging.

Case: BMW (BMW) body paint treatment

BMW uses body paint treatment technology containing zinc isoctanoate in its high-end models. After ultraviolet accelerated aging test, the aging rate of this paint surface is reduced by about 40% compared with traditional paint surfaces, and it shows better weather resistance and pollution resistance in actual use. Especially in urban environments where direct sunlight and severe pollution, the paint surface can effectively prevent ultraviolet rays and maintain the luster and color of the car body. The owner's feedback shows that after 8 years of driving, the paint surface of the vehicle using this paint technology remained in good condition, and there was no obvious fading or cracking, and the overall aesthetics of the vehicle was significantly improved.

4. Exhaust system components

The automobile exhaust system is in a high temperature, high humidity and strong corrosive environment for a long time, and is susceptible to oxidative corrosion and chemical corrosion, resulting in premature failure of components such as exhaust pipes and mufflers. To improve the corrosion resistance of the exhaust system, the researchers introduced zinc isoctanoate as an additive in the protective coating of the exhaust system. Zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface of the exhaust system, effectively preventing the invasion of oxygen and harmful gases, thereby preventing metal oxidation and corrosion.

Case: Toyota exhaust system anti-corrosion coating

Toyota uses an anti-corrosion coating containing zinc isoctanoate in the exhaust system of its new sedan. After high temperature corrosion test, the corrosion resistance time of the coating is approximately 60% longer than that of the conventional coating, and it shows better durability and reliability in actual use. Especially in high temperature environments, this coating can effectively prevent oxidation and corrosion of metal components in the exhaust system, extend its service life, and reduce maintenance and replacement costs. The owner's feedback showed that after the vehicle using this coating traveled 100,000 kilometers, the metal parts of the exhaust system remained in good condition, and there was no obvious corrosion, and the vehicle's emission performance was effectively guaranteed.

Synthetic effect of zinc isoctanoate and other materials

In automobile manufacturing, a single material often struggles to meet all performance requirements, so researchers usually use zinc isoctanoate in combination with other functional materials for better overall performance. The synergistic effect of zinc isoctanoate and other materials can not only be further improvedImprove the durability of components and optimize their cost-effectiveness. The following will introduce several common synergistic materials and their combination effects with zinc isoctanoate.

1. Synergistic effects with nanomaterials

Nanomaterials have been widely used in automobile manufacturing in recent years due to their unique physicochemical properties. Nanomaterials have extremely high specific surface area and activity, which can significantly enhance the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of the material. Using zinc isoctanoate in combination with nanomaterials can give full play to the advantages of both and further improve the durability and reliability of components.

Case: Synergistic application of nanotitanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc isoctanoate

Nanotitanium dioxide (TiO₂) has excellent photocatalytic properties and UV resistance, which can effectively prevent the aging and degradation of materials. The researchers found that using nanoTiO₂ in combination with zinc isoctanoate can form a coating with dual protection in the paint surface of the car body. Zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface to prevent moisture and oxygen from invading, while nano-TiO₂ can absorb ultraviolet rays and prevent the aging of the paint surface. According to a study by Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the aging rate of car body paint surfaces with nano-TiO₂ and zinc isoctanoate in the UV accelerated aging test was about 60% lower than that of traditional paint surfaces, and it performed in actual use. It has better weather resistance and pollution resistance.

2. Synergistic effects with silicone materials

Silicon materials have excellent high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and weather resistance, and are widely used in automotive sealants, coatings and lubricants. Combining zinc isoctanoate with silicone materials can significantly improve the overall performance of the material and extend its service life.

Case: Synergistic application of silicone resin and zinc isoctanoate

Silicone resin has excellent high temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, and is suitable for protective coatings for automotive exhaust systems. The researchers found that using silicone resin in combination with zinc isoctanoate can form a coating with dual protection on the metal surface of the exhaust system. Zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface to prevent the invasion of oxygen and harmful gases, while silicone resins can provide additional high temperature and corrosion resistance. According to a study in Corrosion Science, the corrosion resistance of exhaust system coatings with silicone resin and zinc isoctanoate in high temperature corrosion tests is approximately 80% longer than that of traditional coatings, and in actual use Shows better durability and reliability.

3. Synergistic effects with phosphate materials

Phosphate materials have excellent anti-rust and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in metal surface treatment and anti-corrosion coatings. Combining zinc isoctanoate with phosphate materials can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of metal surfacescorrosion performance and extend its service life.

Case: Synergistic application of zinc phosphate and zinc isocitate

Zinc phosphate is a commonly used anti-rust agent that can form a dense phosphate film on the metal surface to prevent metal oxidation and corrosion. Researchers found that using zinc phosphate in combination with zinc isoctanoate can form a coating with dual protection on the metal surface of the car chassis. Zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface to prevent moisture and oxygen from invading, while zinc phosphate can provide additional anti-rust properties. According to a study by Surface and Coatings Technology, the corrosion resistance of the chassis protective coatings with zinc phosphate and zinc isoctanoate in salt spray tests was approximately 70% longer than that of traditional coatings and performed in actual use. It has better weather resistance and impact resistance.

4. Synergistic effects with polyurethane materials

Polyurethane materials have excellent wear resistance, weather resistance and impact resistance, and are widely used in automotive sealants, coatings and elastomers. Combining zinc isoctanoate with polyurethane materials can significantly improve the overall performance of the material and extend its service life.

Case: Synergistic application of polyurethane elastomer and zinc isoctanoate

Polyurethane elastomers have excellent wear resistance and impact resistance, and are suitable for parts such as automotive suspension systems and shock absorbers. The researchers found that using polyurethane elastomers in combination with zinc isoctanoate can form a coating with dual protection on the surface of these parts. Zinc isoctanoate can form a dense protective film on the metal surface to prevent moisture and oxygen from invading, while polyurethane elastomers can provide additional wear and impact resistance. According to a study by Polymer Testing, suspension systems with polyurethane elastomers and zinc isocaprylate have a wear rate of about 50% lower than traditional systems in simulated road tests and have shown better performance in actual use. Durability and reliability.

Summary and Outlook

To sum up, zinc isoctanoate, as an efficient functional additive, plays a crucial role in automobile manufacturing. Through a detailed analysis of the basic characteristics of zinc isoctanoate, its application status, mechanisms to improve the durability of parts, and synergistic effects with other materials, it can be seen that its huge potential in improving the durability of automotive parts. Zinc isoctanoate can not only significantly reduce the coefficient of friction and reduce wear, but also form a dense protective film on the metal surface, effectively preventing metal oxidation and corrosion and extending the service life of parts. In addition, the collaborative application of zinc isoctanoate and other materials further improves its comprehensive performance and optimizes cost-effectiveness.

1. Advantages of zinc isocitate

• Excellent lubricating performance: Zinc isoctanoate can form a uniform lubricating film on the metal surface, significantly reduces friction coefficient and reduces wear, suitable for lubricants such as automobile engine oil and gear oil.
• Strong anti-rust and corrosion resistance: Zinc isoctanoate can react chemically with the metal surface to form a dense protective film, effectively preventing metal oxidation and corrosion, and is suitable for automotive chassis. Protective coating, body paint treatment and anti-corrosion coating for exhaust systems.
• Excellent antioxidant performance: Zinc isoctanoate has strong antioxidant ability, can maintain its chemical stability under high temperature conditions, preventing the aging and deterioration of oils and coatings, suitable for automobiles Oil products used in high temperature environments such as engine oil and transmission fluid.
• Good safety and environmental protection: Zinc isocaprylate is not a hazardous chemical, has good biodegradability, and will not cause persistent pollution to the environment, which is in line with the modern automobile industry for green Manufacturing requirements.

2. Future research direction

Although the application of zinc isoctanoate in automobile manufacturing has made significant progress, there are still many directions worth further research. Future research can be carried out from the following aspects:

• Develop new composite materials: Combine zinc isoctanoate with other functional materials (such as nanomaterials, silicone materials, phosphate materials, etc.) to develop higher performance The composite material further improves the durability and reliability of parts.
• Optimize production process: By improving the production process, reduce the production cost of zinc isoctanoate and improve its application range in automobile manufacturing. For example, more efficient spray, dip and coating processes are developed to ensure that zinc isoctanoate can evenly cover the metal surface to form an ideal protective film.
• Expand application fields: In addition to existing application fields, zinc isoctanoate can also be explored in other automotive parts, such as battery shells, electronic components, etc. With the rapid development of electric vehicles and smart cars, zinc isoctanoate has broad application prospects in these emerging fields.
• Strengthen theoretical research: Further in-depth study of the interaction mechanism between zinc isoctanoate and metal surfaces, reveal its behavioral patterns under different environmental conditions, and provide theoretical support for optimizing its application. For example, through molecular simulation and surface analysis techniques, the adsorption and reaction behavior of zinc isoctanoate under high temperature, high pressure and high humidity conditions are studied to provide guidance for its application in extreme environments.

3. Conclusion

The strategy of zinc isoctanoate to improve the durability of parts in automobile manufacturing has been widely recognized and applied. With the automotive technologyAs technology continues to improve, the requirements for the performance of parts will become higher and higher. As an efficient functional additive, zinc isoctanoate will definitely play a more important role in future automobile manufacturing. Through continuous innovation and research, we have reason to believe that zinc isoctanoate will further promote the sustainable development of the automotive industry and bring more reliable and durable automotive products to consumers.