Automobile Engineering

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.