Lubricants are substances that minimize the resistance between two interacting surfaces. To use a lubricant, you simply apply it to the area impeded by friction. As soon as the lubricant hits the surface of the solid, it starts to absorb the rough molecules it comes into contact with, helping to create a smoother, less resistant surface.
However, reducing friction isn't the only use for... Read more >
Lubricants are substances that are used to reduce the friction between two moving surfaces. Often a liquid, lubricants can pose environmental hazards if they are not properly disposed.
Types of Lubricants
There are four main types of lubricants:
Greases
Liquid Lubricants
Pastes
Solid Lubricants.
Within these categories, lubricants can be classified according to their origin:
Animal (goose... Read more >
A lubricant, or "lube," as it is commonly called, is any type of oily, greasy substance used to reduce friction between solid surfaces. When a lubricant is applied to a rough surface, it undergoes a chemical reaction with the abrasive dirt and other surface molecules on the solid.
During this reaction, the lubricant absorbs abrasive molecules off the surface of the object to which it is applied... Read more >
Liquid lubricants are fluids that prevent friction and wear between two machine parts. Common liquid lubricants include water-based lubricants and synthetic oils. Many liquid lubricants can pollute the environment, so proper disposal of used lubricant is essential.
Liquid Lubricant Uses
Liquid lubricants reduce friction between two moving objects by creating a smooth, wet layer between the two solid... Read more >
Solid and dry lubricants differ significantly from liquid lubricants. Liquid lubricants reduce friction due to their fluidity and viscosity. However, while solid lubricants have neither of these properties, they are still capable of reducing friction and wear.
Use of Solid Lubricants
Solid and dry lubricants work in situations where liquid lubricators have no practical value. For instance, a solid... Read more >
Hydraulic mechanisms provide large amounts of power due to hydraulic fluids, which are pumped at extremely high pressure through motors and hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic fluid is transported through a mechanism by tubes and hoses.
Hydraulic Fluid Use
Used in multiple systems, hydraulic fluids are common in vehicles' brakes and transmission systems. Backhoes rely on hydraulic fluids for power, and the... Read more >
Greases are invaluable in a host of operations due to their density. Derived from oils, greases typically have thickeners added to them to make them usable in homes and on industrial equipment. While not appropriate for every operation, greases provide a viscous coating in conditions where oils are too thin to maintain effective operation. Keep in mind that all lubricant types, including silicone grease, have... Read more >
Benefits of Lubricating Pastes
The thicker nature of lubricating pastes makes them ideal for specific applications. While pastes are generally thicker (or more viscous)than greases, these two types of lubricants usually include the same base ingredients, such as natural oils, synthetic compounds or blends of the two.
Pastes also contain solidifying agents to make them effective during parts... Read more >