Tribological and rheological performance of lithium grease with poly-a-olefin and alkyl-tetralin as base oils

A new category of lithium greases was synthesized by using poly-a-olefin(PAO8) and alkyl-tetralin as base oil, where the alkyl-tetralins were synthesized by the alkylation of tetralin and olefins. The influence of thickener concentration, alkyl-tetralin content and type of blend oils on the rheological and tribological performance of lithium grease was investigated. The microstructures of soap fibers were measured to reveal the structure-property correlations. The concentration of thickener and alkyl-tetralin content obviously affect the lubricating performance of lithium grease, while the molecular structure of alkyltetralin has no obvious impact on their properties. It was found that alkyl-tetralin could significantly enhance the thickening ability of PAO8 base oils, and decrease the amount of thickeners by 1.5%(mass).Lithium greases prepared using 20%(mass) alkyl-tetralin as co-base oil exhibited high colloidal stability,excellent rheological behaviors and tribological properties.

Numerical Visualization of Grease Flow in a Gearbox

Lubricating greases are widely used in e.g.open gear drives and gearboxes with difficult sealing conditions.The efficiency and heat balance of grease-lubricated gearboxes depend strongly on the lubrication mechanisms channeling and circulating,for which the grease flow is causal.The computational fluid dynamics opens up the possibility to visualize and understand the grease flow in gearboxes in more detail.In this study,a single-stage gearbox lubricated with an NLGI 1-2 grease was modeled by the finite-volume method to numerically investigate the fluid flow.Results show that the rotating gears influence the grease sump only locally around the gears.For a low grease fill volume,the rotation of the gears is widely separated from the grease sump.For a high grease fill volume,a pronounced geargrease interaction results in a circulating grease flow around the gears.The simulated grease distributions show good accordance with high-speed camera recordings.

Well-Dispersed Graphene Enhanced Lithium Complex Grease Toward High-Efcient Lubrication

Graphene as a lubricating additive holds great potential for industrial lubrication. However, its poor dispersity and compatibility with base oils and grease hinder maximizing performance. Here, the infuence of graphene dispersion on the thickening efect and lubrication function is considered. A well-dispersed lubricant additive was obtained via trihexyl tetradecyl phosphonium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate modifed graphene ([P_(66614)][DEHP]-G). Then lithium complex grease was prepared by saponifcation with 12-OH stearic acid, sebacic acid, and lithium hydroxide, using polyalphaolefn (PAO20) as base oil and the modifed-graphene as lubricating additive, with the original graphene as a comparison. The physicochemical properties and lubrication performance of the as-prepared greases were evaluated in detail. The results show that the as-prepared greases have high dropping point and colloidal stability. Furthermore, modifed-graphene lithium complex grease ofered the best friction reduction and anti-wear abilities, manifesting the reduction of friction coefcient and wear volume up to 18.84% and 67.34%, respectively. With base oil overfow and afux, well-dispersed [P_(66614)][DEHP]-G was readily adsorbed to the worn surfaces, resulting in the formation of a continuous and dense graphene deposition flm. The synergy of deposited graphene-flm, spilled oil, and adhesive grease greatly improves the lubrication function of grease. This research paves the way for modulating high-performance lithium complex grease to reduce the friction and wear of movable machinery.

Effect of Synthetic Conditions and Thickener Formulation on the Rheological and Tribological Properties of Polypropylene Grease

Polypropylene(PP)grease holds great potential for special industrial applications.In this study,synthetic conditions,thickener content,and the ratio of two different molecular weight PPs were investigated systematically using a rheometer,scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectrometer,oscillating tribometer,and 3D surface profiler measurements.The results showed that suitable synthetic conditions are two quenching cycles,and the synthetic temperature and time is 240℃for 12 h.The rheological analysis showed that thickener content and different proportions of the two PP molecular weights have a significant influence on the rheological properties of PP grease.High molecular weight PP(H-PP)has a stronger thickening ability than low molecular weight PP(L-PP).The higher the amount of H-PP in the fixed thickener content or the higher the thickener content with a specific proportion,the higher the viscoelasticity of PP grease.The tribological performance is related to the rheological properties.The proportion of two different molecular weight PPs in the thickener content should be appropriate;excessive H-PP content leads to lubrication failure.

Research Status and Prospects of Bio-based Materials for Grease Barrier Coatings on Paper Food Packaging

Increased environmental and health concerns over the use of plastic packaging or fluorine-containing coatings,in combination with increased market demand for products with a longer shelf life,make bio-based materials one of the most important research candidates for alternative paper packaging materials for oil resistance.These bio-based materials have excellent oxygen and oil barriers,which are critical for food packaging.Moreover,they are biodegradable,naturally renewable,and safe.In this artical,two main groups of bio-based oil repellents for paper food packaging,including polysaccharide-based biopolymers and protein-based biopolymers,are enumerated,and the advantages and weaknesses of bio-based oil repellents are discussed,and effective solutions are proposed.Finally,research status and prospects on the development of bio-based oil-resistant coatings for the food packaging industry are presented.

Comparative Studies on Low Noise Greases Operating under High Temperature Oxidation Conditions

Oxidation induction time(OIT) testing by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) was used to evaluate the oxidation resistance of lubricating greases. Under the high temperature condition, bearing noise was detected when grease passed the initial stable stage of oxidation. The chemical and physical structure of grease samples before and after high temperature oxidation were also analyzed by FT-IR spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy(SEM), then the effects of oxidation at high temperature on bearing noise were investigated. It is found out that for lithium greases, oxidation of base oil and thickener is the main reason responsible for the increasing bearing noise. As regards the polyurea greases, the change of fiber microstructure at high temperature is the main reason for the increasing bearing noise.

Tribological Characteristics of Graphene as Lithium Grease Additive

The tribological properties of graphene(GN) and graphite(G) as lubricant additives in lithium greases were investigated with a four-ball tribotester. The micro-morphology as well as the content and chemical state of elements on the worn surfaces was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The results showed that the tribological performance of lithium grease could be significantly improved by the addition of graphene. During the friction process, an adhesion film and a deposition film consisted of graphene as well as a tribochemical reaction film composed of FeO, Fe_2O_3, FeOOH and LiOH could be formed on the tribosurface, and these complex films were responsible for the improved tribological performance of lithium grease.

Consistency-dependent optical properties of lubricating grease studied by terahertz spectroscopy

The optical properties of four kinds of lubricating greases （urea, lithium, extreme pressure lithium, molybdenum disulfide lithium greases） with different NLGL （National Lubricant Grease Institute of America） numbers were investigated using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Greases with different NLGL grades have unique spectral features in the terahertz range. Comparison of the experimental data with predictions based on Lorentz Lorenz theory exhibited that the refractive indices of each kind of lubricating grease were dependent on the their consistency. In addition, molybdenum disullfide （MoS2） aa a libricant additive shows strong absorption from 0.2 to 1.4 THz, leading to higher absorption of MoS2-1ithium grease than that of lithium grease.

Impact of polydimethylsiloxanes on physicochemical and tribological properties of naphthenic mineral oil(KN 4010)-based titanium complex grease

Titanium complex greases were prepared by using naphthenic mineral oil and polydimethylsiloxane as the mixed base oil. The effect of polydimethylsiloxane molecular weight and polydimethylsiloxane content in mixed base oil on the physicochemical and tribological properties of titanium complex greases was investigated.As compared to the sole mineral oil-based titanium complex grease, the use of polydimethylsiloxane(H201-350)as a co-base oil increased the dropping point from 310 to 329℃, decreased the oil separation from 3.7% to 2.3%,reduced the corrosion extent, and obviously improved the tribological properties. When the mixed oil-based titanium complex grease was used as a lubricant, lubricating films of polydimethylsiloxane were probably formed on the surfaces of friction pairs, giving good lubricating property.

Discussion on the Mechanism of Boric Acid and Phosphoric Acid to Improve the Hardening of Complex Calcium Lubricating Grease

In order to solve the hardening problem of complex calcium lubricating grease, the water absorption test of several calcium salts was carried out, and it was found that calcium 12-hydroxystearate did not absorb water, and calcium acetate, calcium phosphate and calcium borate had different degrees of water absorption. Calcium acetate has the highest water absorption rate, while calcium phosphate and calcium borate show comparable water absorption rates. Upon using the molecular simulation technology, it is found that in the complex calcium grease system, calcium phosphate and calcium borate tend to combine with water, which inhibits the water absorption of calcium acetate and alleviate the hardening problem.

The selective effect of food-grade guar gum on chalcopyrite-monoclinic pyrrhotite separation using mixed aerofloat(CSU11) as collector

The flotation separation of chalcopyrite from monoclinic pyrrhotite using food-grade guar gum(FGG) as a depressant was studied through flotation tests, kinetic studies, dynamic potential measurements, adsorption experiments, and infrared spectral analyses. The microflotation results showed that the flotation separation of chalcopyrite from monoclinic pyrrhotite could not be realized by adding mixed aerofloat(CSU11) alone. The depressant FGG exhibited a selective depression effect on monoclinic pyrrhotite by controlling the pulp pH range from 5.0 to 6.0, with a maximum floatability variation of 79.36% in the presence of CSU11. The flotation kinetics, zeta-potential, adsorption, and infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that the FGG could absorb more strongly on the surface of monoclinic pyrrhotite than on the surface of chalcopyrite. In addition, the results revealed that the interaction of FGG with the monoclinic pyrrhotite surface was governed primarily by strong chemisorption, whereas FGG mainly bonded to chalcopyrite through hydrogen bonding. This difference was responsible for the excellent depression selectivity of FGG toward monoclinic pyrrhotite flotation and weak depression effect toward chalcopyrite flotation.

Surface Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles-an Effective Anti-wear and Anti-friction Additive for Lubricating Grease

The surface modified TiO_2 nanoparticles were prepared by using 12-hydroxystearic acid chemically modified on the TiO_2 surface. The average size of the TiO_2 particles is about 30 nm. The optimum ratio of tetrabutyl titanate to 12-hydroxystearic acid was 1/0.5. The bonding form between 12-hydroxystearic acid and TiO_2 nucleus was investigated by FTIR, DSC, TGA and XRD techniques. The lubricating grease containing the surface modified TiO_2 nanoparticles possesses excellent anti-wear and anti-friction properties. Compared with the grease without TiO_2, the PB value can be increased by 52% as the best performance of the grease containing surface modified TiO_2 nanoparticles, while the friction coefficient can be reduced by 33% with the addition of a small amount of TiO_2 nanoparticles, and meanwhile the wear scar diameter decreases by 25%.

Preparation and Rheological Properties of Vacuum Lubricating Grease

A kind of vacuum lubricating grease was prepared by using perfluoropolyether as base oil,perfluorinated polymer as thickener,and self-made additives.The colloidal stability of the grease was greatly improved by introducing a colloidal structure modifier.The rheological properties of the self-made grease(SMG),such as viscosity versus time,thixotropy,etc.,were studied by a rheometer at different temperatures and were compared with those of foreign brand grease(FBG).The results show that the performance of SMG reached the level of similar FBG,and some properties such as mechanical stability,colloidal stability,extreme pressure and antiwear properties were better.It can be used for long life lubrication of moving parts in a vacuum environment.

Influence of Two Preparation Methods on Rheological Properties of Lithium Grease

The dropping point,cone penetration,corrosion,oil separation rate and oxidation stability of lithium grease prepared by two different processes at room temperature and high temperature were measured.The rheological properties of the samples were studied and analyzed with the microstructure of soap fiber.The results show that the content of thickener used in grease prepared by the room temperature method is higher in order to obtain the same consistency.The dropping point and evaporation loss of grease samples prepared by two processes are similar,and the oil separation rate of the lubricating grease prepared by the room temperature method is smaller.The preparation process has a great influence on the rheological properties of grease,and the higher content of thickener is beneficial to improving the rheological properties of grease.

Preparation of hyperthermal lithium complex grease

Using 12-hydroxystearate, nonan-edioic acid and lithium hydroxide as thickener, refined mineral oil and synthetic oil as base oil, along with some structure improver, antioxidant and anti-wear extreme pressure additive, lithium complex grease was developed. The dropping point of the grease is 331℃, friction factor is 0.0250.026 under 1.0kN, especially above 220℃, its friction factor is 2/3 of those of urea-based greases and other high temperature greases. At the same time, it has good waterproof, anti-oxidation effect and anti-corrosion properties. The results of the field experiment proves that its working temperature is higher than 600℃, and it has reasonable working life in 800℃.

Comparative Study of the Impact of Corundum Particle Contaminants Size on Wear and Fatigue Life of Grease Lubricated Ball Bearings

Ball bearings’ rating life is reduced with the presence of hard particle contaminants in the lubricant. This life reduction is taken into account when calculating the modified rating life by using the contamination factor. The contamination factor is based on a general characterization of the lubrication conditions but the impact of contaminant’s variables such as size, hardness and concentration level is not determined in detail. In this work, greases contaminated with hard corundum (alumina, Al2O3) particles of different sizes are tested aiming at finding a pattern in the relationship between particle sizes’ and wear’s progress. A laboratory rig is utilized for these tests and vibration analysis tools regarding bearings’ condition and estimated residual life are being assessed. After the tests, optical inspections using a stereoscope verify the vibration analyses results. The experimental results show that wear is progressing faster when smaller particles are used. The crystalline structure of the corundum and the different degree of brittleness of the contaminants seem to be the reasons for this behavior, whereas severe abrasion and deformation of the raceways have been detected.

The Study of Food-Grade Induced Expression and Enzymatic Properties of L-Arabinose Isomerase from Lactobacillus plantarum WU14 with High D-Tagatose Yield

L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) is the key enzyme for D-galactose isomerization of D-tagatose by biological method. In this research, Lactobacillus plantarum WU14 with high D-tagatose yield was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum was isolated from the number of lactic acid bacteria from pickled vegetables. The crude L-arabinose isomerase activity of Lactobacillus plantarum WU14 with high D-tagatose yield was 13.95 U/mL under the optimal temperature 60&degC, pH 7.17 and substrate concentration 0.8 mol/L, and the conversion rate of 56.12% could be gained after 28 hours. Protein structure and specific of L-Arabinose Isomerase of Lactobacillus plantarum WU14 were researched. The results showed that L-arabinose isomerase is mainly composed of alpha helix and random coil. Then the recombinant L-AI gene was inserted into the food-grade expression vector pRNA48 and expressed in L. lactis NZ9000 successfully. The target protein expression reached the maximum amount when the induced concentration of nisin reaches 30 ng/mL after 12 h. And the crude enzyme activity of recombinant bacteria reached 6.21 U/mL under 60&degC. Otherwise the optimal conversion rate recombinant of L. lactis NZ9000/pRNA48-L-AI can reach 39.21% under the temperature of 50&degC, pH 7.17 and D-galactose concentration was 0.6 mol/L.

Construction of a Food-Grade Expression Vector Based on pMG36e by Using an α-Galactosidase Gene as a Selectable Marker

Construction of a food-grade expression vector for application to lactic acid bacteria（LAB） is of importance for dairy fermentation system. An α-galactosidase（aga） gene encoding an enzyme degrading melibiose was amplified by PCR from the plasmid p RAF800 of Lactococcus lactis NZ9000. The aga gene was introduced into pMG36 e to substitute the p rimary antibiotic selectable marker of pMG36 e, resulting in construction of a new food-grade expression vector pMG36-aga. To testify the expression efficiency of exogenous gene in pMG36-aga, a 1.5 kb long α-amylase（amy） gene from Ba cillus li cheniformis was cloned by PCR and introduced into the plasmid pMG36-aga. The resultant plasimd pMG36-aga-amy was transformed into L. lactis ML23 by electroporation. The positive clones were selected with the medium containing melibiose as the sole carbon source. Th e selection efficiency of aga was 8.71×103 CFU with a standard deviation of 9.1×102 CFU ？g-1 DNA of pMG36-aga. Furthermore, the SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the pMG36-aga-amy expressed a 56.4 kDa protein which was the same as the putati ve molecular weight of α-amylase. The starch plate assay also indicated that L. lactis ML23 displayed high activity of α-amylase by expressing of amy gene of pMG36-aga-amy.

Biodiesel Production from Waste Edible Oils and Grease Containing Free Fatty Acids

Till now, most part of the biodiesel is produced from the refined vegetable oils using methanol as feedstock in the presence of an alkali catalyst. However, large amount of waste edible oils and grease are available. The difficulty with alkali-catalyzed esterification of these oils is that they often contain large amount of free fatty acids (FFA), polymers and decomposition products. These free fatty acids can quickly react with the alkali catalyst to produce soaps that inhibit the separation of the ester and glycerine. An esterification and transesterification process is developed to convert the high FFA oil to its monoesters. The first step, the acidcatalyzed esterification with glycerine and these FFA reduces the FFA content of the oil and grease to less than3%, and then an azeotropic distillation solvent is used to remove the water. The major factors affecting the conversion efficiency of the process such as glycerol to free fatty acid molar ratio, catalyst amount, reaction temperature and reaction duration are analyzed. The second step, alkali-catalyzed transesterification process converts the products of the first step to its monoesters and glycerol, and then the glycerol is recycled for utilization in the first step. Technical indicators of the biodiesel product can meet the ASTM 6751 standard.

Running Temperature and Mechanical Stability of Grease as Maintenance Parameters of Railway Bearings

Spherical roller bearings in railway car wheels are critical components whose failure may have catastrophic consequences. The present study aims to analyse the mechanical stability of greases and temperature of bearings as indicators for condition-based bearing maintenance. The performed case study includes nine fully-formulated commercial greases examined in the wheel bearings of five ore cars operated in northern Scandinavia. The studied ore cars travelled a distance of about 300 000 km during a period of three years. Small samples of the greases were taken on eight occasions to test their mechanical stability. In addition, the temperatures of the bearings were continuously recorded. After the test period, the wear, electrical damage, and corrosion of the bearings were examined. One of the findings is that the shear stress of the grease at a certain shear velocity （the certain yieldstress （CEY） value） is a good maintenance indicator and is highly dependent on the grease type. The bearing＇s wear, electrical damage and corrosion also depend on the grease type. However, no oxidation of the greases was identified. The paper also outlines a systematic methodology to determine an overall maintenance indicator for railway roller bearings which is based on the field measurements.