2. Definition: Lubricants A lubricant is substance (often liquid) introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce the friction between them.
3. Composition Typically contains 90% base oil(petroleum-mineral oils) and less than 10% additives Non liquid lubricants contains Grease, powder(dry graphite, Molibdenumdisulphite), Teflon tape used in plumbing etc. Those non liquid lubricants provide lubrication at higher temp.(up to 350 °C)
4. ADDITIVES USED IN LUBRICANTS (1) Anti oxidant --- Aromatic amines,Phenols,Sulphides and phosphates (2) Corrosion Inhibitor --- Amino salts and salts of sulphonic acids (3) Antiwear agents --- Tricresyl phosphate (4) Foam inhibitors --- Glycerols
5. Types of Lubricants Solid lubricants e.g Wax, Talc, Mica, Molibdenum disulphide Semi solid lubricants e.g. Grease and Vaseline Liquid Lubricants e.g. Mineral oils, Vegetable oils, Animal oils Synthetic lubricants e.g. Polyglycols, Silicones, Organic amines, Imines, Amides.
6. Features of Lubricants Increase efficiency and reduce wear Dissolving or transporting foreign particles and distributing heat Single largest application is in form of Motor Oil, protecting internal combustion engines in motor vehicles and powered equipments Another approach is to use ball bearings, roller bearing or air bearings which in turn require internal lubrication themselves
7. Uses Other uses are for cooking, biomedical applications on human(lubricants for artificial joints), ultra sound examinations for males and females etc.
8. Applications Automotive Industry-Engine oil, Automatic transmission fluid, Gearbox fluid, Break fluids. Tractor(One lubricant for all systems) Other motors(2 stroke engine oil) Industrial(Hydraulic oils, Air compressor oils, GasCompressor oils, Gear oils Bearing and circulating system oils, Refrigerator compressor oils) Aviation Marine
9. Key Functions of Lubricants Keep moving parts apart Reduce friction Transfer heat Carry away contaminants & debris Transmit power Protect against wear Prevent corrosion Seal for gasses Stop the risk of smoke and fire of objects
12. OEM Approval Normally there are many specifications of OEM. OEMs do extensive testing and maintains active list of approved products. Some Lubricants Mfr. Specify OEMs that use their products. E.g. Cummins, Volvo, BMW, VolksWagen In OEMs direct marketing can be used.
13. Performance Lubricants Mfr. Claims benefits for customers based on superior performance Glamorous advertising, sponsorships of typically sporting events and endorsements. E.g. F1 Race by Castrol, B2B market place the marketer is normally expected to show data that supports the claims, hence reducing the use of broad claims.
14. Efficiency The lubricant marketer claims improved equipment efficiency when compared to rival products or technologies
15. Economy The marketer offers a lubricant at a lower cost than rivals either in the same grade or a similar one that will fill the purpose for lesser price
16. Environment Friendly The lubricant is said to be environmentally friendly Several organizations, typically government sponsored, exist globally to qualify and approve such lubricants by evaluating their potential for environmental harm .Typically, the lubricant manufacturer is allowed to indicate such approval by showing some special mark
17. Quality The marketer claims broad superior quality of its lubricant with no factual evidence The quality is “proven” by references to famous brand, sporting figure, racing team, some professional endorsement etc.
18. Disposal It is estimated that 40% of all lubricants are released into the environment. Disposal:Recycling, burning, landfill and discharge into water may achieve disposal of used lubricant.
