The poor performance of some high purity jet fuels appears to be related to polar compounds in the fuel and not to viscosity, volatility, or sulfur and nitrogen compounds. Surface active additives such as corrosion inhibitors markedly improve lubricity. Results of laboratory tests correlate well with the field experience, where sticking fuel controls and pump wear at high temperatures have been reported. Highly refined fuels developed to meet new standards of thermal stability or purity are generally poor in lubricity compared with conventionally refined fuels and may require a lubricity additive to satisfy advanced fuel systems.
