Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
The ease at which zMAX is able to migrate (i.e., move) and penetrate the minute pores, cracks, and fissures is probably a function of not only its wetting qualities, but also the molecular structure of zMAX’s reformed hydrocarbons. The proprietary reforming process, in which mineral oil is subjected to prior to becoming zMAX, results in a change in the hydrocarbon composition, more normal paraffinic hydrocarbons (i.e., long chained hydrocarbons) than iso-paraffinic hydrocarbons (i.e., branched and cyclic hydrocarbons). This shift more than likely enables higher concentrations of the more linearly configured hydrocarbons to penetrate due to their having significantly less molecular hindrance (i.e., blockage). Ultimately, the ability of zMAX to penetrate into the metal substrate (i.e., beneath the surface) was more than demonstrated in the experiments involving the use of Auger Electron Spectroscopy. Moreover this penetration of zMAX is clearly evidenced in observing how pistons taken from engines after cleaning that had been exposed to zMAX will generate an oily film on the surface when left exposed to the atmosphere. This process of releasing absorbed oil is called deliquesce. Another easy related to example of this deliquesce process is how cheese will generate oil droplets if left exposed to room temperature conditions.
The only instance I know of the "deliquesce" process is Scotts "Anytime" grass fertilizer in which the pellets gradually dissolve due to the absorbing of moisture from the air. The salts in the fertilizer absorb moisture from the air.
I am not sure the term "deliquesce" is properly used in this context or explanation.
From a physio-chemistry standpoint, a process whereby one substance of a higher concentration penetrates or migrates into or out of another substance is properly called, "diffusion," something the writer of this explanation should have known.
It appears that if any transforming of pharmaceutical grade white oil is being done here, it is to create a surfactant or spreading agent which simply reduces surface tension. A spreading of a liquid horizontally is possible with a surfactant, but not vertically.
And any transformation must have been done with a catalyst, which is not mentioned in this blurb.
I still see no data or evidence of a true molecular diffusion process going on here.
I received an email from Mr. Le Pera this morning in answer to the above. Below is his comments copied and pasted from the email he sent me.
In response to the statements made by MolaKule of BITOG, the following is offered -
Comment--“I am not sure the term "deliquesce" is properly used in this context or explanation. From a physio-chemistry standpoint, a process whereby one substance of a higher concentration penetrates or migrates into or out of another substance is properly called, "diffusion," something the writer of this explanation should have known.”
Response--MolaKule is absolutely correct here as I unfortunately selected the wrong word to describe the adsorption and absorption of zMAX.
Comment--“It appears that if any transforming of pharmaceutical grade white oil is being done here, it is to create a surfactant or spreading agent which simply reduces surface tension. A spreading of a liquid horizontally is possible with a surfactant, but not vertically.”
Response--I am not completely sure that he is correct as I always thought that spreading or wetting could be two dimensional. A quick Google search on the terms "Wetting – Horizontal or Vertical" generated two references. Dynamics of Wetting Fronts in Porous Media, http://math.lanl.gov/~dmt/papers/mitkov.pdf and Experimental Validation and Applications of a Fluid Infiltration Model, http://superfund.berkeley.edu/pdf/295.pdf
Both of these papers are well above my level of understanding and are not really relevant to the issue of what zMAX does. However, they both mention vertical wetting and the second paper refers to horizontal spreading by capillary forces and vertical spreading by gravity and capillarity. One other point that gives further evidence that some migration of zMAX has vertically penetrated is the Auger Electron Spectorscopy measurements.
Comment--And any transformation must have been done with a catalyst, which is not mentioned in this blurb.
Response--The entire process used by Oil-Chem Research Corp. as stated many times is a proprietary process.
Comment--I still see no data or evidence of a true molecular diffusion process going on here.
Response—Perhaps not on the molecular level, but the Auger Electron Spectorscopy measurements certainly do indicate that there has been some diffusion of the zMAX material.
