Properties Of Lubricants

Introduction:

The duties of the lubricant in an engine are many and varied in scope.

Properties of lubricants:

 

The lubricant is called upon to limit and control the following:

• Friction between the components and metal to metal contact

• Overheating of the components

• Wear of the components

• Corrosion

• Defects To accomplish the above functions, a good lubricant should posses properties :

• Suitable viscosity

• Oiliness to ensure the adherence of the bearings ,and for loss friction and wear when the lubrication is in the boundary region, and as a protective covering against corrosion.

• High strength to prevent the metal to metal contact and seizure under heavy load.

• Should not react with the lubricating surface.

• A low pour point to allow the flow of lubricant at low temperature to the oil pump.

• No tendency to form deposits by reacting with air, water, fuel or the products of combustion

• Cleaning ability

• Non foaming characteristic

• Non toxic

• Non flammable

• Low cost

 

Industrial Lubricants

• Solid

– lamellar solids, solid organic compounds, chemical coatings, soft metals.

• Semi-solid …….. Grease.

• Liquid…… mineral, animal/vegetable, synthetic, water based fluids.

• Gases ….. Mostly air.