The first use of grease dates back to ancient times, when man first used animal fats and vegetable oils to reduce friction. Analysis of these crude lubricants shows that lime was sometimes mixed in as a thickener, making this the first complex grease.
The science of lubricating technology has come a long way since ancient times. Simply put, lubricating grease is defined as a solid-to-semi fluid dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Beyond that different ingredients can be added to impart special properties.
Traditionally, metallic soaps such as calcium stearate, sodium stearate, and lithium stearate are used as thickeners. Fatty acids such as lithium 12-hydroxystearate can also be used. Lithium greases are by far the most popular grease worldwide, because they have excellent heat tolerance like the sodium greases and the water resistance of calcium greases.
Lithium Complex greases first entered the market in 1962. According to NLGI International, Today Lithium Complex grease accounts for 42% of all North American Grease production. Lithium Complex Greases are favored over traditional Lithium greases because of their higher dropping points and improved heat resistance. They also work well in low temperatures.
A basic recipe for grease is below:
| Thickener | 10 – 15 % |
| Base Oil | 80 – 90% |
| Performance Additives | 5 – 10% |
A tremendous amount of formulation science is put into achieving all the performance properties of a premium grease. Because greases are formulated for their intended applications, and the properties of the grease are very important, several laboratory tests are used to assess grease properties.
ChemCeed’s Grease Product Line
- 12‐Hydroxystearic Acid (12‐HSA)
- Adipic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Boric Acid
- Sebacic Acid
- Dibutyl Sebacate (DBS)
- Dimethyl Sebacate (DMS)
- Dioctyl Sebacate (DOS)
- Disodium Sebacate (DSS)
- Lithium Hydroxide
To receive a complete FREE formulation guide for Lithium Complex Grease, please fill out the form below. This guide will include advice on which specific fatty acids, complexing agents, and performance additives such as corrosion inhibitors can be used. The guide also includes information about the manufacturing process, the standardized laboratory tests, and performance properties of Lithium Complex Grease.