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Lubricating Grease: A Chemical Primer

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Craig J. Donahue

Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan–Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128

J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (6), p 862

DOI: 10.1021/ed083p862

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2006

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the function, properties, composition, and preparation of lubricating grease. The function of grease is compared to that of a liquid lubricant. The properties of grease consistency and dropping point are delineated. The three major components of grease (the base oil, a thickener, and additives) are characterized. Important properties of base oil (its viscosity, cloud point, and pour point) are examined. The steps necessary to convert crude oil to base oil are outlined. The three categories of grease thickeners (soap, complex soap, and nonsoap thickeners) are described. A brief history of the evolution from calcium soaps to sodium soaps and finally lithium soaps is provided and the importance of lithium soaps to the creation of multipurpose greases is explained. The different categories of lubricant additives—antioxidants; metal deactivators and corrosion inhibitors; polymer additives; friction modifiers, anti-wear, and extreme pressure additives; and solid lubricants—are examined. The batchwise manufacture of grease is described. The application of various lubricants to the automobile is mentioned.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary

Keywords (Feature):

Products of Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Textbooks / Reference Books

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 4 ACS Journal articles (4 most recent appear below).

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Proximate Analysis of Coal
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Analysis of the Thickening Agents in Automotive Greases by GC-MS
Cheryl A. Snyder , David Mayotte and Craig J. Donahue
Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 902
- Analysis of the Thickening Agents in Automotive Greases by GC-MS
  Cheryl A. Snyder , David Mayotte and Craig J. Donahue
  Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 902
  A laboratory procedure for the identification of the thickening agents in lubricating greases by GC–MS is described. The procedure entails isolation of fatty-acid soaps and other carboxylate salts by extraction of the base oil from the grease by hexanes. ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links