Solid Lubricants – Reliable Source For Lubrication In Heavy Duty Machinery

 

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Solid lubricants are basically dry materials which when applied between two sliding surfaces, provide adequate lubrication. It is in the form of a thin film or powder that can be easily applied on the desired surface as a result of which they function optimally.  They can be used in many forms, one being free flow powder, another as anti-friction coatings or perhaps anti-seize paste. It can be used as additives in certain types of oils and greases.  These types of lubricants have a very low coefficient of friction owing to the fact the layers of their hexagonal structure slide against one another with minimal applied force.

Why Opt For Solid Lubricants Over Liquid Lubricants?

The main need for solid lubricants is in keeping locks and bearings in proper working condition. A key point to be noted about them is that they are classified as lubricants but they are solid in nature. They have the capacity to reduce friction between moving parts  without making use of liquid oil. The need for solid lubricants arises when it is not possible to use conventional lubricants. For example when gear and chains have to be lubricated, using a liquid lubricant will not suffice as they will squeeze out. In such situations, solid lubricants work efficiently as they do not run off and can effectively stop corrosion, galling and fretting upon application.

Another example is ceramics wherein it is used in place of chemically reactive lubricants. A further example is when the temperature is very high and the atmosphere is oxidizing, it is not possible for liquid lubricants to survive. In such situations it is solid lubricants that show desired effect. Two important solid lubricants are Graphite and MoS2 which work in even very high temperatures and also in an oxidizing environment, where it is not possible to effectively make use of liquid lubricants. In applications that make use of plastics by melting or deforming it the lubricant used for this activity to be carried out are the dry or solid types.

Another important solid lubricant is Boron Nitride, which is used primarily for lubricating ceramics. It is capable of providing high temperature resistance of up to 1200ºC in an oxidizing environment so it remains the same even under such high temperatures for a long period of time to provide adequate lubrication and  protection from dust, dirt, heat, pressure, water and acids.