Lubricant

Lubricants (also: lubricant ) are used for lubrication and serve to reduce friction and wear, as well as for power transmission, cooling, vibration damping, sealing and corrosion protection.

General

In principle there are all lubricants from a base fluid (usually oil base ) as well as other ingredients, which are called additives.

Lubricants are subject to various influences:

Classification

The following layout differs according to the physical state of the lubricant:

• Liquid lubricants ( oils and coolants )
• Greases
• Solid lubricants (eg graphite)
• Gaseous lubricants ( for example, air )

Characteristics

Important physical characteristics of lubricants are not limited to:

• Density
• Viscosity
• Aniline point (AP)
• Dropping point
• Pour point, pour point
• Flash point, focal point, ignition point
• Neutralization capacity

Application Examples

Very well known is the engine oil. It reduces friction in reciprocating engines, simultaneously ensures a better seal between the piston and cylinder, and often performs various cooling applications. Some vehicles are therefore equipped with additional oil coolers.

A hygienic industrial processing of foodstuffs due to all food contact parts of machinery lubrication with physiologically acceptable fluids such as natural fats and oils with an approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) and the Department of Agriculture. This requirement is contained in the regulations International Food Standard ( IFS) and British Retail Consortium ( BRC).