The Basics of

Lubricants and lubrication

 Meaning of lubrication

• Friction - is created when there is

relative motion between two surfaces
• Resistance to motion is defined as
friction
• Lubrication is use of a material
between surfaces to reduce friction
• Any material used is called a lubricant
 Methods of lubrication

• Two main methods

• Hydrodynamic lubrication
• Boundary lubrication

• Hydrodynamic lubrication
• Also called complete or full flow
• Occurs when two surfaces are
completed separated by a fluid film
 Methods of lubrication cont..

• Two main methods

• Hydrodynamic lubrication
• Boundary lubrication

• Boundary lubrication
• Occurs when Hydrodynamic lubrication
fails.
• By adsorption or chemical reaction
 Types of Lubricant - Physical

• Liquid
• Solid
• Semi solid
• Gases
 Types of Lubricant - Physical

• Liquid
• Typical lubricants are liquid/fluids
• Mineral oil or synthetic oils
• Solid
• Graphite, MoS2
• Semi solid
• Greases
• Gases
• Atomised 2 stroke oils
 Typical lubricants - Application

• Engine oils
• Gear Oils
• Turbine Oils
• Hydraulic Oils
• Metal working oils
• Cutting oils
• Forming Oils
• Rust preventives
 Typical lubricants - Application

• Heat Transfer Oils

• Heat Treatment Oils
• Quenching Oils
• Tempering Oils
• Refrigeration Oils
• Rubber Process Oils
• Ink process Oils
 Lubricant - Components

• Base Oils
• Mineral by-products of crude oil refining
process.
• Base oils are polymerized or
synthesized further and called synthetic
• Additives
• Natural
• Synthetic
 Function of a lubricant

• Lubricate - Reduce friction

• Cooling - Heat transfer
• Cleaning - Detergency
• Noise pollution - dampening
• Sealing – prevent leakage
• Protection – prevent wear
 Lubricate – reduce friction

• The effects of friction

• Metal to metal contact
• Leads to wear and tear
• Generates heat
• Results in Power loss
• Lubricant reduces friction by
forming a film
• Reduces ill effect of friction
 Cooling

• When fuel is burnt in an engine

• 33% is useful power
• 33% removed by cooling water
• 33% by lube oil and radiation
• Lube oil removes heat from all areas
and brings it to the engine sump.
• Improper cooling can lead to over
heating, lead to wear, distortion and
failure.
 Cleaning

• Cleans carbon and varnish deposits

• Flushes the entire system removing
• Soot
• Deposits
• Acids
• Wear products
• Moisture
• Removes external contaminants dust,
moisture (external)
 Noise reduction

• Reduce noise
• By preventing metal to metal contact
• Dampens noise
• As between camshaft and tappet
 Sealing

• Oil film
• Between piston ring and liner
• Helps in creating a gas tight seal
 Protection

• Protection against acids and

moisture

• Very important to increase life of

component and equipment
 Properties of lubricants

• Kinematic viscosity
• Viscosity index
• Pour Point
• Flash Point
• Total Base Number (TBN)
 Properties of lubricants

• Kinematic viscosity
• Measure of internal resistance to flow
• “Thickness” of fluid (in laymen terms)
• Decreases with increase in temperature
• Important in lubricant selection
• Increase in used oil indicates oxidation
• Specified at 40˚C and 100˚C
• Measured in Centi Stokes (CSt)
 Kinematic Viscosity -
Recommendations
• Low Viscosity oils used
• High speeds
• Low pressure
• Low temperature
• High Viscosity oils used
• Low speeds
• High pressure
• High temperature
 Properties of lubricants

• Viscosity index
• Measure of fluids change of viscosity
with temperature.
• Empirical number
• Higher the VI lower will be the
change of viscosity with temperature
• Indicator of temperature range of
operations
 Properties of lubricants

• Pour Point
• Lowest temperature at which the fluid
will flow
• Indicates lowest operating
temperature
• Measured in ˚C
 Properties of lubricants

• Flash Point
• Lowest temperature at which the vapor
above the liquid will ignite under flame
• Indicated safe maximum temperature of
operation.
• Indicator of volatility
• Test method - COC and PMCC
• Measured in ˚C
 Properties of lubricants

• Total Base Number (TBN)

• Measured the acid neutralizing
reserve in oil.
• Important for deciding discard of oil
• Decreases due to
• Oxidation of oil
• Water contamination
• Fuel contamination
• Measured in Mg KOH/gm of oil
 Lab Tests - for lubricants

Kinematic viscosity ASTM D 445

Viscosity index ASTM D 2250
Pour Point ASTM D 97
Flash Point ASTM D 92 (COC)
ASTM D 93 (PMCC)
Total Base Number
ASTM D 664
(TBN)
 Lubricants are those substances, which
are Used to reduce the force of Friction
between two sliding surfaces. Or,

Any substance introduced between two

moving sliding surfaces with a view to
reduce the friction (or frictional resistance)
between them, is known as a lubricants.

presented by:- Abhishek Raj

 The process of reducing
friction between moving sliding
surfaces by the introduction of lubricants in
between them, is called lubrication.

lubrication Grease(lubricant)
 Some Examples
Almost every moving component requires LUBRICANT

Standard lock
Pendulum Clock

window lifting
mechanism

presented by:- Abhishek Raj

 Function of Lubricants
1. As a Coolant: The frictional heat generated
at the a point of contact between the rubbing
parts is localized at the surface peaks. The
lubricating oil absorbs the heat and hence
act as coolant.
 Function of Lubricants
2. Reduce the Frictional Resistance: To
reduce the frictional resistance, is one of the
main function of lubricants.

Resistance free rotatory wheel

 Function of Lubricants
3.Provides Protection against Corrosion: The
lubricants cover the metal surface and hence the
attack of atmospheric corrosive
environment on metal surface is
prevented. Corroded metal
4. Improve the efficiency of the machine: Since the use
of lubrication minimizes the
liberation of frictional heat,
it reduces expansion of metal.
Working machine
Classification of Lubricants
Semi-solid
Lubricant
Solid Liquid
Lubricant Lubricant

Lubricant
 Classification of Lubricants
1. Solid Lubricants: The Lubricants
existing in solid form are known as solid
lubricants. E.g. graphite, soap, wax, mica,
chalk, etc
Classification of Lubricants
2. Semi-Solid Lubricants: These are neither solid
nor liquid. A Semisolid lubricant is obtained by
combining lubricating oil with thickening agent.
E.g.:-Silica gel, Grease, Vaseline, etc.

Grease
 Classification of Lubricants
3. Liquid Lubricants: These exist in liquid
form and are used to reduce friction by
providing a uniform film between them.
These are also very important and are widely
used in several machines and tools because
They act as:-
a) Sealing agent
b) Corrosion inhibitors and
c) Cooling medium.
Example of liquid lubricants: custard oil, Synthetic oil, mineral
oil, petroleum oil,etc…

Condition for using liquid lubricants:-

1. Where solid and semisolid lubricants are not
suitable.
2. In light machines like watches, clocks, sewing
Machines etc..
3. In such type machines where less amount of
Heat is produced during motion so that the
produced heat is insufficient to ignite or burn
the lubricants.
Types of Liquid Lubricating Oil:-
1.Animal oil and Vegetable oils: Animal and
vegetable oil are very important and are extracted
from the animal and Vegetable.

 These have good oiliness and viscosity properties.

For example:
Animal Oils:- Whale oil, seal oil, etc..
Vegetable Oil:- mustard oil, cotton seed oil, etc..
Types of Liquid Lubricating Oil:-

Animal Oil

Vegetable Oil
 Types of Liquid Lubricating Oil:-
2.Mineral oil or Petroleum oil:- These are basically lower
molecular weight hydrocarbon with 12-50 carbon atom.
 These oils are obtained by the fractional distillation of
petroleum.

(Petroleum oils)
3.Emulsions:- are the products of two immiscible liquids in
which one liquid acts as dispersion medium and the other the
dispersed phase.
e.g. mixture of oil and water
 Emulsions are used in several machines (mix. of oil and water)
like boring machine, milling machines, etc..
Properties of Lubricants
Oiliness
o It is an important properties of a lubricant, it shows
the capacity of a lubricants to stick on the surface of
machine parts under high pressure and load.
Volatility
o It shows the evaporation behavior of lubricant at high
temperature.
o A good lubricant should have low volatility
Emulsification
o It is the property of a lubricant due to which the
lubricating oil mixed with water to form an emulsion.
o A good lubricant should have low emulsion number.
Properties of Lubricants

 Corrosion Stability
• It is properties of lubricant which represents its
resistance toward the metals.
• A good lubricant should not take part in
corrosion.
 Thermal Stability
• A good lubricant must be stable towards heat.
• It should not decompose during operation at high
temperature.
EMULSIFICATION NUMBER
 Emulsification is the property of a lubricant due to which the
lubricating oil get mixed with water to form an emulsion.
• Generally emulsion are the product of two immiscible liquids.
• For example, a mixture of water and oil.
 Process to calculate emulsification number
• First of all 20 ml of oil is taken in test tube. Then Steam of 100oC is passed
through it so that temperature rises to 90oC and volume become 40 ml.
• Then tube is placed in a bath to maintained its temp. at 900C. and then
time in second is noted, when layer of water and oil are distinctly
separated.
• then the Time Taken in second is known as
steam emulsion number.

(Emulsion)
Neutralization Number
 The neutralization number is an indication of
acidic and basic impurities in the lubricating oil.
 As we know Determination of acidity is more
common and is expressed in term of acid value or
acid number.
 In Fact, the acid number greater than 0.1 is
usually taken as an indication of oxidation of the
oil.
 The source of acidity in oil may be:-
a) Products of oxidation of oil.
b) Contamination of oil by so2 from combustion of
the fuel.
Saponification Value
 It is helpful in the determination of adulteration
in oil.

 It is determined by refluxing a known weight of

oil sample with a known amount of standard
alcoholic KOH solution.

 Saponification Value=Volume of
KOH*Normality*Eq.Wt.of KOH/weight of the oil
sample
Flash and Fire Point
 Flash point is the minimum temperature at which
a lubricant gives sufficient vapor and burn for a
moment, when a flame is brought near it.

 Fire Point is the lowest temperature at which the

lubricant gives sufficient vapor and burn
continuously for at least five seconds, when a
flame is brought near to it.

 The flash and fire point is determined by Pensky-

Marten’s apparatus .
Cloud and Pour Points

• Cloud Point is defined as the temperature

at which an oil becomes cloudy or hazy in
apparatus, while the temperature at which
the oil ceases to flow is called pour Point.
• Cloud point and pour point indicates the
suitability of lubricants in cold condition.
• These are determined with the help of cloud
and pour point apparatus.
Cloud and pour point apparatus
 Definition
 Lubricants are those substances,
which are used to reduce the force of Friction between two sliding surfaces.
 Function of Lubricant
 It acts as coolant.
 It reduces the frictional resistant.
 It provides protection against corrosion
 It also improve the efficiency of the machine.
 Classification of Lubricants
 Solid Lubricants. (ex: wax, chalk)
 Semi-solid Lubricants. (ex: Grease, Vaseline)
 Liquid Lubricants
Further liquid lubricant is divided into:-
o Vegetable oil. (ex: mustard oil and cotton oil)
o Petroleum oil. (ex: diesel and petrol)
o Emulsions. (ex: mixture of oil and water)
 Properties of Lubricants
1. Oiliness: It shows the capacity of lubricants to stick on the surface of machine
parts.
2. Volatility: It shows the evaporation behavior.
3. Corrosive stability: A good lubricant should not take part in corrosion.
4. Thermal stability: A good lubricant must be stable toward heat.

 Emulsification Number: It is the property of a lubricant due to which

lubricating oil gets mixed with water to form emulsion.

 Neutralization Number: It is the indication of acidic and basic impurities in

lubricating oil.
 Saponification Value: It is helpful in the determination of adulteration in oil.
 Flash and Fire Point
 Cloud Point: is defined as the temperature at which oil becomes cloudy or hazy in
apparatus.
 Pour Point: the temperature at which the oil ceases to flow is called pour point.
 What are additives

Lubricant additives
classified on their functional capability
Enhance existing property
Suppress undesirable property
Impart new property
 What are additives
– What they do in Engine Oils
Protect metal surfaces
- (rings, bearings, gears, etc.)
Extend the range of lubricant
applicability
Extend lubricant life
 Surface Protective additives

Anti wear and EP Agent

Corrosion & Rust inhibitor
Detergent
Dispersant
Friction modifier
 Surface Protective additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Anti wear & EP Agent
 Purpose Reduce friction & wear.
Prevent scoring & seizure
 Typical ZDDP, Organic Phosphates, acid
compounds phosphates, organic sulfur and
chlorine compounds etc.
 Function Chemical reaction with metal surface
and forms a film.
Prevents metal-to-metal contact
 Surface Protective additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Corrosion and Rust Inhibitor
 Purpose Prevent corrosion and rusting of the
metallic parts in contact with lubrican
 Typical ZDDP, Metal phenolates, Basic Metal
compounds sulphonates, fatty acid & Amines.

 Function Preferential adsorbtion of polar

constituent on metal surface.
Provide protective film
Neutralize corrosive acids
 Surface Protective additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Detergents
 Purpose Keep surface free of deposits
 Typical Metallo organic compounds of Sodium,
compounds Calcium and Magnesium phenolates
Phosphonates and sulphonates
 Function Chemical reaction with sludge and
varnish percursors to neutralize them
and keep them soluble
 Surface Protective additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Dispersant
 Purpose Keep insoluble contaminants
dispersed in the lubricant
 Typical Alkylsuccinimides, alkylsuccinic esters
compounds and mannich reaction products
 Function Contaminants are bonded by polar
attraction to dispersant molecules.
Prevented from agglomerating
Kept in suspension due to solubility of
dispersant
 Surface Protective additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Friction modifier
 Purpose Alters coefficient of friction
 Typical Organic fatty acids and amides.
compounds Lard Oil, high molecular weight
organic phosphorus.
Phosphoric acid esters
 Function Preferential adsorbtion of surface
active materials
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Pour Point Depressant
 Purpose Enable lubricant to flow at lo
temperature
 Typical Alkylated naphthalene
compounds Phenolic polymers, Ploymethacrylates
Maleate/fumerate copolymer esters
 Function Modify wax crystal formation to reduce
interlocking
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Seal swell Agent
 Purpose Swell elastomeric seals, gaskets
 Typical Organic phosphates
compounds Aromatic hydro carbons
 Function Chemical reaction with with elastomer
to cause slight swell.
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Viscosity modifier
 Purpose Reduce the rate of viscosity change
with temperature
 Typical Polymers and copolymers of olefins,
compounds methacrylates, dienes
Alkylated styrenes.
 Function Polymers expand with increasing
temperatures
This counteract oil thinning
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Antifoamant
 Purpose Prevent lubricant from forming a
persistent foam
 Typical Silicone polymers
compounds Organic copolymers
 Function Reduce Surface tension to speed
collapse of foam
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Antioxidant
 Purpose Retard oxidative decomposition
 Typical ZDDP,
compounds Hindered phenols, Aromatic Amines,
sulfurized phenols
 Function Decompose peroxides
Terminates free-radical reactions
 Performance additives
- Automotive Lubricants
 Additive type Metal deactivator
 Purpose Reduce catalytic effect of metals on
oxidation rate
 Typical Organic complexes containing
compounds nitrogen or sulfur
Amines, sulphides and Phosphates
 Function Forms inactive film on metal surfaces
by complexing with metallic ions
 Lubricant - Nomenclature
and Specifications
Nomenclature
• Oils - SAE numbers
• Viscosity classification – ISO 3448
• Grease – NLGI Numbers

Performance
• Crankcase oils - Performance levels
• Crankcase oils – OEM Specifications
• US Military – US-MIL-2104
 2000
1500 ISO VG AGMA SAE SAE
Engine Gear
1500 Oils Oils
1000 8A 10000
5000
1000
800 680 8 140
5000
3000

600 460 7 3000

• Viscosity Grade Classification 500 2000

Systems 400
320
2000
6 90
ISO – Industrial Oils 300
5
50
220
• cSt @ 40°C 200 1000
40 1000
150 4
AGMA – Industrial Gear Oils 150
3 30
85W
100 500500
• cSt @ 40°C 80W
100 400400
80 20
SAE – Engine Oils 68 2 300
300
• cSt @100°C, cP @150°C 60 46 1 75W 200
50 200
• cP @ -10°C to -40°C 40
15W
32
100
SAE – Gear Oils 30 10W
22 85W&0W
100
• cSt @100°C 20 15 60
15
• cP @ -12°C to -55°C
10 60
10

cSt @ 40C
SUS @ 100F
 Lubricant - Specifications

• Crankcase oils - SAE numbers

• Crankcase oils - Performance levels
• Crankcase oils – OEM Specifications
• Viscosity classification
• Grease specification
 Major specifying
organizations
• SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
(USA)
• API - American Petroleum Institute
• US Military Specs – US - MIL – 2104 -
• CCMC – European Specification
• ISO – International Standard Organization –
ISO 3348
• NLGI – National Lubricating Grease Institute
 SAE viscosity grades for
engine oils

Designated
• With corresponding viscosity
• For high temperature application
• Warmer areas/regions
• SAE 20
• SAE 30
• SAE 40
• SAE 10
• SAE 50
• SAE 60
 SAE viscosity grades for
engine oils

Designated
• With corresponding viscosity
• For low temperature application
• Colder areas/regions
• SAE 0 W
• SAE 5 W
• SAE 10 W
• SAE 15 W
• SAE 20 W
• SAE 25 W
 SAE viscosity grades for
Mono grades - Engine Oils

Mono grades are designated

with single SAE number
SAE 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
• SAE 5W,10W, 15W,20W,25W
• Can be used either in summer season
or in winter seasons.
• Gradual shift to multi grades.
• Shift also due to lower oil consumption
by multi grades
• Available as Engine oil and Gear Oils
 SAE viscosity grades for
Multi grades - Engine Oils

Multi grades are designated

with two SAE number
Widely in use today
• SAE 10w/30, 15w/30, 25w/50
• SAE 5W/30, 20W/40
• Suitable for use in winter and summer
months or seasons
• Available in Engine oils & Gear oil
 SAE Crankcase Oil - Viscosity
classification – Winter Service
Low temp viscosities High temp viscosities
Engine cranking Max. Temp for Vis. at 100˚C, High shear
SAE Max. cPs at Temp pumping viscosity cSt (cP) 150˚C
Viscosity of 60,000 cP(˚C)
Grade
(˚C) Min Max & 106 S-¹
Min

Winter Service
0W 6200@ -35 -40 3.8 - --

5W 6200@ -30 -35 3.8 -

10W 7000@ -25 -30 4.1 -
15W 7000@ -20 -25 5.6 -
20W 9500@ -15 -20 5.6 -
25W 13000@ -10 -15 9.3
 SAE Crankcase Oil - Viscosity
classification – Summer Service
Low temp viscosities High temp viscosities
Engine Max. Temp for Vis. at 100˚C, cSt High shear
SAE cranking Max. pumping (cP) 150˚C &
Viscosity cPs at Temp viscosity of Min Max 106 S-¹ Min
Grade 60,000 cP(˚C)
(˚C)
Summer Service
20 -- - 5.6 <9.3 2.6
30 -- - 9.3 <12.5 2.9
40 -- - 12.5 <16.3 3.5
40 -- - 12.5 <16.3 3.7
50 -- - 16.3 <21.9 3.7
60 -- - 21.9 <26.1 3.7
 API Automotive Gasoline Engine
Service Categories – “SA, SB,…”
Category Related Ind Engine Test Requirements
Definitions
SA Straight Min None

SB Inhibited only CRC L-4 Sequence IIA Sequence IIIA

SC 1964 Models CRC L-38 Sequence IIA Sequence IIIA

Sequence IV Sequence V Fuel -1% S
SD 1968 Models CRC L-38 Sequence IIB Sequence IIIB
Sequence IV Sequence VB Falcon Rust
Caterpillar L-1 Caterpillar IH

SE 1972 Models CRC-L-38 Sequence IIB Sequence IIIC

Sequence IIID Sequence VC Sequence VD
1980 Models CRC-L-38 Sequence IID
SF Sequence IIID
Sequence IIIE Sequence VD
 API Automotive Gasoline Engine
Service Categories – “SA, SB,…”
Category Related Ind Engine Test Requirements
Definitions
SG 1989 Models CRC-L-38 Sequence IID Sequence IIIE
Sequence VE Caterpillar IH2

SH 1994 Models CRC-L-38 Sequence IID Sequence IIIE

Sequence VE
Category SA, SB, SC, SD, SE,SF,SG,SH have been declared as obsolete.

SJ 1997 Models CRC-L-38 Sequence IID Sequence IIIE

Sequence VE

SL 2001 Models Sequence IIIF Sequence IVA Sequence VG

Sequence VIII

SM 2004 Models Sequence IIIG Sequence IVA Sequence VG

Sequence VIII

Category SJ, SL, SM, are currently valid.

 API Automotive Diesel Engine
Service Categories – “CA, CB,…”
Category Related Engine Test Requirements
US Mil spec
CA MIL-L-2104A CRC L-38 Caterpillar L-1 Fuel – 0.4% S

CB MIL-L-2104A CRC L-38 Caterpillar L-1 Fuel – 0.4% S

Supplement 1
CC MIL-L-2104B CRC L-38 Sequence IID Caterpillar IH2
MIL-L-46152B
MIL- CRC L-38 Caterpillar I G2
CD
L-2104C/D/E,
MIL-L-45199B,
Series 3
MIL-L-2104D/E CRC L-38 Caterpillar 1 G2 Detroit Diesel
CD-II
2 stroke Hvy Dty 6V53T
None CRC L-38 Caterpillar 1 G2 Cummins NTC 400
CE
Mack T-6 Mack T-7
None CRC L-38
CF Caterpillar 1M-PC
 API Automotive Diesel Engine
Service Categories – “CA, CB,…”
Category Related Ind Engine Test Requirements
Spec
CF-2 None CRC L-38 Detroit Diesel 6V92TA Caterpillar 1M-PC

CF-4 None CRC L-38 Cummins NTC-400 Caterpillar 1K

Mack T-7
CG-4 None CRC L-38 Sequence IIIE Caterpillar 1N
Mack T-8 RFWT
None Mack T8E Sequence IIIE
CH-4 Caterpillar 1P, 1K
RFWT Mach T-9 Cummins M 11
None RFWT Cummins M11 EGR
CI-4 Caterpillar 1R, 1K
EOAT Mack T-8E, T-10 Sequence IIIF
None RFWT Cummins M11 EGR
CI-4Plus Caterpillar 1R, 1K
EOAT Mack T-8E, T-10,T-11 Sequence IIIF

CA to CE obsolete; CF onwards are currently valid

 ISO 3448 – Kin Vis - CSt 40˚C
vs SUS 100˚F (40˚C)
Midpoint Minimum Maximum SUS 100˚F

VG 2 2.2 1.98 2.42

VG 3 3.2 2.88 3.52
VG 5 4.6 4.14 5.06
VG 7 6.8 6.12 7.48
VG 10 10 9 11 60
VG 15 15 13.5 16.5 75
VG 22 22 19.8 24.2 105
VG 32 32 28.8 35.2 150
VG 46 46 41.4 50.6 215
 ISO 3448 – Kin Vis - CSt 40˚C
versus SUS 100˚F (40˚C)
Midpoint Minimum Maximum SUS 100˚F

VG 68 68 61.2 74.8 315

VG 100 100 90 110 465
VG 150 150 135 165 700
VG 220 220 198 242 1000
VG 320 320 288 352 1500
VG 460 460 414 506 2150
VG 680 680 612 748 3150
VG 1000 1000 900 1100 4650
VG 1500 1500 1350 1650 7000
 National Lubricating Grease
Institute - NLGI Numbers
NLGI Grade Number ASTM worked penetration 77˚F
(25˚C)
000 445 - 475
00 400 - 430
0 355 - 385
1 310 - 340
2 265 - 295
3 220 - 250
4 175 - 205
5 130 - 160
6 85 - 115
 Grease

A solid to semi-fluid product of a

thickening agent in a liquid lubricant.
Other ingredients imparting general
properties may be included

2
 Grease

• Advantages • Disadvantages

9 Convenience ' Low Cooling Rate

9 Resistance ' Contamination
9 Protection ' Performance
9 Cleanliness ' Limitations

3
 Grease Composition

Base Oil Thickener Additives

70 - 95% 10 - 20% 5 - 10%

Grease

4
Lubricating Greases - Basics and Applications
 Components Used in Grease Formulation
Base oils Thickeners Additives

Mineral oils Sodium soap Anti-oxidants

Synthetic mineral oils Calcium soap Anti-wear additives

Di-esters Lithium soap EP additives

Silicones Aluminium soap Corrosion inhibitors

Phospate esters Barium soap Friction modifiers

Fluorocarbon Aluminium complex Metal deactivators

Fluorinated silicone Lithium complex VI improvers

Chlorinated silicone Bentonite clay Pour-point depressants

Silica Tackiness additives

Carbon/graphite Water repellants

Polyurea Dyes

PTFE Structure modifiers

Polyethylene

Indanthrene dye

Phthalocyanine dye

6
 Typical Oils Used in Lubricating Greases
• Petroleum
¾ Paraffinic – good VI and thermal stability to 350oF max. temp.
¾ Naphthenic – good low temperature performance to –65oF min
• Synthetic
Nominal Serviceable Temp. Range. oF
Diester - 100 to 400

Fluorosilicone - 50 to 450
Hydrocarbon - 80 to 350
Polyalkylene glycol - 40 to 350
Polyol ester - 50 to 400
Silicone - 100 to 450

7
 Base Oil For Grease

• Depends on required characteristics of grease.

Flow, viscosity, temp. range and speed.
• Paraffinic and napthenic mineral oils
• Synthetics used for special applications – very
low/very high temp.
• Base oil function is to lubricate

8
 Thickener Types

•Metal soaps
¾ Lithium, calcium, sodium, barium, aluminium, etc
¾ Complex (I.e. Lithium complex, alumunium complex, Calcium
complex)
• Inorganics/non soap
¾ Clays, megalite, montmorilonite, hectorites, bentonites
• Organics
¾ Polyurea
• Fluoro Organic
¾ PTFE
 Thickener Influences
• Act as a carrier
To release fluid

• Water Resistance

1. Washout Resistance - the ability of the lubricant to stay in the bearing

while operating partially or fully submerged (ASTM D1264).
2. Water Absorption - the ability of the grease to deal with the presence of
water by either absorbing or resisting the washing and diluting action of
the water.
3. Spray Resistance - the ability of the grease to resist displacement from a
direct impingement of the water on the greased surface (ASTM D4049).

• Heat Resistance

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 Grease Additives

• Anti-Wear/Extreme Pressure Agents

¾ Zinc dialkyIdithiophosphates
¾ Dithiocarbamates (Zn, Sb, Pb)
¾ Phosphate esters
¾ Sulfurized fatty acids
¾ Sulfurized hydrocarbons
¾ Chlorinated hydrocarbons

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 Grease Additives

• Anti-oxidants
¾ Aryl amines
¾ Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates
¾ Hinderes phenols
¾ Zinc and amine dithiocarbamates

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 Grease Additives

• Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors

¾ Sulfonates (Ca, Ba, Li, Mg, Na, Pb, amine salts)
¾ Napthenates (Zn, Ba, Pb)
¾ Carboxylic acid derivatives
¾ Triazoles
¾ Sodium Nitrite

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 Grease Additives

• Friction Modifiers
¾ Molybdenum disulfide
¾ Graphite
¾ PTFE
¾ Powdered fluorocarbons
 Grease Additives

• Adhesion Promoters
¾ Polyolefins and olefin copolymers
 Penetration
The depth, in tenths of a millimeter, that a standard cone sinks into a
material under prescribed conditions of weight, time and temperature.
This depth is described as NLGI numbers.

NLGI Number ASTM Worked Penetration

000 445-475

00 400-430

0 355-385

1 310-340

2 265-295

3 220-250

4 175-205

5 130-160

6 85-115
 Factors In Deciding NLGI Grades
• Speed
The higher the speed the harder the grease, so for high
speeds use no. 3. The maximum outer race speed for grease-
lubricated rolling bearings is about 15 m/s (3000 ft/min)

• Bearing size
Use a harder grease in a large bearing, No.3 or even no.4

• Sealing
If there is a particular need for effective sealing, use a harder
grease, No.3 or No.4
 Factors In Deciding NLGI Grades

• Shock loads or vibration

Shock load or vibration tends to cause grease to slump into
the moving components causing churning. A harder grease
minimizes the problem, so use No.3 or No.4. (Note that normal
steady loading does not strongly influence the grade)

• Temperature
 Grease Selection

Some basic rules:

Low speeds Greases with high base oil viscosity

and high loads and EP and / or solid lubricants
like Graphite or MoS2

High speeds Greases with low base oil viscosity

Oscill. movement Greases with white solid lubricants

High or low Greases with synthetic base oils

temperatures
 Important factors on Grease selection

1. Bearing design
2. Bearing speed
3. Load
4. Temperature
5. Environmental conditions
 ASTM Grease Tests

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