RUSTING of iron and ferrous alloys has been a problem for centuries. Paints have been long employed as protective coatings while grease and petrolatum have been used extensively to provide protection when removable coatings were required. Oil films, which are much easier to apply and remove, were inadequate for this purpose until it was found that their rust-proofing efficacy could be greatly increased by addition of certain types of polar organic compounds.1
World War II gave strong impetus to development of such compounded oils for a wide range of service requirements. These oils are used extensively now to provide temporary protection for ferrous metal articles during manufacturing operations, storage and shipment, as well as for protection and lubrication of machinery, guns, turbines and hydraulic systems.1
The urgency of military needs during World War II was largely responsible for the adoption of empirical methods in development of protective oils....
