EP0700986B1 - Polymer thickened lubricating grease - Google Patents

Polymer thickened lubricating grease Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0700986B1
EP0700986B1 EP95202464A EP95202464A EP0700986B1 EP 0700986 B1 EP0700986 B1 EP 0700986B1 EP 95202464 A EP95202464 A EP 95202464A EP 95202464 A EP95202464 A EP 95202464A EP 0700986 B1 EP0700986 B1 EP 0700986B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
molecular weight
grease
thickener
grease composition
oil
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP95202464A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0700986A3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow
EP0700986A2 (en
Inventor
Dick Meijer
Bo Olov Jacobson
Herman Lankamp
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SKF Engineering and Research Centre BV
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SKF Industrial Trading and Development Co BV
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Priority to EP95202464A priority Critical patent/EP0700986B1/en
Publication of EP0700986A2 publication Critical patent/EP0700986A2/en
Publication of EP0700986A3 publication Critical patent/EP0700986A3/xx
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Publication of EP0700986B1 publication Critical patent/EP0700986B1/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M143/00—Lubricating compositions characterised by the additive being a macromolecular hydrocarbon or such hydrocarbon modified by oxidation
    • C10M143/04—Lubricating compositions characterised by the additive being a macromolecular hydrocarbon or such hydrocarbon modified by oxidation containing propene
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M119/00—Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a macromolecular compound
    • C10M119/02—Hydrocarbon polymers; Hydrocarbon polymers modified by oxidation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/006—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/02—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers
    • C10M2205/0213—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/02—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers
    • C10M2205/024—Propene
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/04—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing aromatic monomers, e.g. styrene
    • C10M2205/046—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing aromatic monomers, e.g. styrene used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/06—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing conjugated dienes
    • C10M2205/066—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing conjugated dienes used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/08—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing non-conjugated dienes
    • C10M2205/086—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing non-conjugated dienes used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/10—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing cycloaliphatic monomers
    • C10M2205/106—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing cycloaliphatic monomers use as thickening agent
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/12—Oxidised hydrocarbons, i.e. oxidised subsequent to macromolecular formation
    • C10M2205/126—Oxidised hydrocarbons, i.e. oxidised subsequent to macromolecular formation used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00—Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/14—Synthetic waxes, e.g. polythene waxes
    • C10M2205/146—Synthetic waxes, e.g. polythene waxes used as thickening agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2020/00—Specified physical or chemical properties or characteristics, i.e. function, of component of lubricating compositions
    • C10N2020/01—Physico-chemical properties
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/30—Refrigerators lubricants or compressors lubricants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/32—Wires, ropes or cables lubricants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/34—Lubricating-sealants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/36—Release agents or mold release agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/38—Conveyors or chain belts
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/40—Generators or electric motors in oil or gas winning field
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/42—Flashing oils or marking oils
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/44—Super vacuum or supercritical use
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/50—Medical uses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a polymeric thickener for lubricating grease compositions, comprising a high molecular weight component and a low molecular weight component.
  • US-A-3.850.828 describes a lubricant grease composition, which is thickened with a polymeric mixture, comprising (1) a polyethylene with a molecular weight of 20.000-500.000, more preferably 50.000-250.000 and preferred polymer density above 0,94 gm/cc, and (2) an atactic polypropylene with a molecular weight preferable below 100.000 and a melt index above 20, preferably above 50.
  • the ratio of the atactic polypropylene to the polyethylene is preferably 1:1 to 1:10, more preferably 2:1 to 5:1.
  • U.S. Patent 2,917,458 describes a grease composition
  • a grease composition comprising an oil soluble amorphous polypropylene base having a molecular weight in the range of 300 - 10,000 and an intrinsic viscosity up to 0.4, 2 to 5 wt.% of an isotactic polypropylene having a molecular weight in the range of 100,000 to 1,000,000 and a melting point in the range of 250 to 410°F, and 5 to 35 wt.% of a soap-salt thickener.
  • the low molecular weight amorphous polypropylene is an oil/ether-soluble liquid, which does not form part of the thickener (structure), but apparently has the same function as a lubricating base oil in a conventional lubricant grease.
  • Example 1 of US-A-2,917,458 teaches a grease composition which does not contain a lubricating base oil; whereas column 1, lines 28-31 of US-A-2,917,458 state: "
  • an oil -either a synthetic, mineral, animal or vegetable oil- replaces a major proportion of the amorphous polypropylene.
  • the low molecular weight component is not dissolved in the oil, but forms part of the polymer thickener, as can be seen from the viscosity of the grease obtained.
  • U.S. Patent 3,290,244 describes a grease composition comprising a mineral lubricating oil, a thickening agent, and an oil soluble atactic homopolymer of polypropylene having a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 - 50,000 or an oil soluble atactic copolymer of ethylene and propylene having an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.3 to 4.0.
  • thickener As a thickener, conventional thickeners such as fatty acid metallic soaps, inorganic thickeners such a colloids, silica and bentonite clay, etc. can be used in amounts of 5 to 40 %.
  • the oil soluble atactic propylene polymer is dissolved in the oil present in the grease and serves to improve adhesion and cohesion.
  • the use of a high molecular weight/low molecular weight polymeric thickener is neither described nor suggested.
  • U.S. Patent 3,392,119 describes a grease comprising a white mineral oil that has been thickened by the use of an ethylene-copolymer with a density of 25° of at least 0.4 g/cm 3 and a polypropylene homopolymer with a density of 25°C of between 0.890 and 9.20 g/cm 3 , the polyethylene to polypropylene weight ratio generally being in the range from about 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 3:1 to about 1:2.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a polymerthickened grease composition with good mechanical properties.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a polymer-thickened grease composition with favourable oil bleeding characteristics.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a polymer-thickened grease composition with excellent quiet running characteristics.
  • a lubricant grease composition of a polymeric thickener substantially consisting of a mixture of (1) a (co- or homo-)polymer of propylene with an average molecular weight > 200.000 and (2) a (co- or homo-) polymer of propylene with an average molecular weight of 50.000 - 100.000.
  • the invention relates to such a polymeric thickener.
  • the invention further relates to a lubricant grease composition, comprising a lubricating base oil and a polymeric thickener according to the invention, as well as to a method for preparing said lubricant grease composition.
  • Three further aspects of the present invention relate to the use of a polymeric thickener according to the invention for the preparation of lubricating grease compositions with improved oil bleeding characteristics, especially at low temperatures, mechanical stability under shear, and for the preparation of lubricant grease compositions with improved quiet running characteristics, respectively.
  • the polymeric thickener according to the present invention contains a high molecular weight component comprising a (co- or homo-)polymer of propylene with a weight average molecular weight > 200.000, preferably 200.000-500.000 and a low molecular weight component comprising a (co- or homo-) polymer of propylene with a weight average molecular weight of 50.000-100.000.
  • the weight ratio between the high molecular weight component and the low molecular weight component in the polymeric thickener is preferably 1:40 - 1:5, more preferably 1:25 - 1:15, more preferably about 1:19.
  • the final lubricating grease composition will generally not have the desired application properties, in particular mechanical stability and consistency, i.e. be too “rubbery/elastic" and/or too “buttery".
  • the properties of the final composition are also dependent on the lubricant base oil and additives incorporated in grease compositions, as well as on the way the composition is prepared, other ratios may also be used for obtaining the desired properties of the final composition, as is well known to a man skilled in the art.
  • the low molecular weight component is preferably a polypropylene homopolymer, more preferably a polypropylene homopolymer with a melt flow rate of 500-1000 dg/min., especially 750-850 dg/min. as determined by test ASTM D 1238 L.
  • the high molecular weight component preferably has a melt flow rate (ASTM D-1238) of 1.5-15, more preferably 1.5-7, especially about 3.5.
  • Lubricant grease compositions which are thickened with a polymeric thickener according to the invention, and which further comprise one or more lubricating base-oils and additives known per se, show the following advantages:
  • Lubricating greases comprise a lubricating base oil and a thickener. During service of the lubricant grease, the oil bleeds out of the oil/thickener-structure onto the surfaces of the bearing, thereby providing the lubricating action.
  • the oil bleeding characteristics at the service temperature of the lubricant grease composition i.e. the running temperature of the bearing, as well as the "start up" temperature) are therefore critical for obtaining the lubricating action of the composition.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a polymer thickened grease composition which combines the properties of both favourable oil bleeding characteristics at low temperatures, good mechanical stability and consistency and favourable noise characteristics.
  • the oil bleeding characteristics or oil separation properties of the polymeric thickened grease composition should be such that continuously an effective amount of oil is provided at the running temperatures of the bearing, which are influenced by the ambient temperature.
  • the ambient temperatures lie generally between -10°C and 50°C, as a consequence the running temperature will be between -0°C and 80°C.
  • the polymer thickened grease composition according to the present invention provide acceptable oil separation at temperatures as low as -0°C.
  • the temperature-dependency of the oil bleeding characteristics should be as small as possible, i.e. the oil separation should not decrease strongly as the temperature decreases.
  • Grease compositions according to the state of the art often show an oil separation which is acceptable or even too high at moderate temperatures, for instance 70-80°C, but very poor at lower temperatures, for instance below 30°C.
  • the use of the polymer thickener according to the present invention provides improved oil bleeding characteristics in the sense that the course of the oil bleeding is less dependant on temperature, especially in the low temperature range.
  • a further advantage of the polymeric thickener according to the present invention is the improved transport of the lubricating base oil within the grease structure.
  • the mechanical stability of the grease is dependent on the thickener used, the lubricating base oil used, as well as the additives used. Further, the mechanical properties of the grease can be influenced by "working" the grease after the thickener is mixed with the lubricating base oil, as is well known to a man skilled in the art of lubricants. Preferably, the grease is "worked” to a consistency desired and/or required for its intended use.
  • the mechanical stability of the grease can be ascertained by means of tests known in the art, such as the Shell roll stability test.
  • the grease will have a penetration after the Shell roll stability test (24 hrs at 60°C, 165 rpm), of max. 350.
  • the consistency of the grease can be classified by means of the NLGI-class.
  • the grease can usually be prepared to a NLGI-class range 1 to 3.
  • An NLGI-class of 0 can be made, however, will usually give undue grease leakage.
  • the viscosity of the separated oil must be acceptable, and preferably be constant.
  • the amount of noise produced by the lubricated bearing during service should obviously be as low as possible. Also, the noise produced by a bearing gives an indication of efficiency of the lubrication process and the amount of damage by particle overrolling occurring in the bearing.
  • the noise level produced by a bearing is not only dependent on the properties of the bearing itself and on the conditions under which the bearing is operated, but also on the noise characteristics of the grease composition used.
  • Grease noise characteristics can be determined by means of the SKF BEQUIET grease noise tester, which is described in the SKF publication E4147.
  • the lubricant grease compositions according to the present invention show very favourable quiet running characteristics and mechanical stability, especially if the polymer-thickened grease is prepared by the preferred rapid cooling method called "quenching", as will be described hereinbelow.
  • the above properties of the final grease composition are of course also dependent on the properties of the lubricating oil and additives used in the final grease composition, as is well known to a man skilled in the art.
  • the following parameters are also important: the ratio of the polymeric components in the thickener mixture, the cooling speed during preparation and pre-working procedures.
  • the polymer thickener according to the invention is generally used in the lubricating grease composition in conventional amounts, i.e. from 1-20, preferably 5-15, especially about 10 percent by weight of the total grease composition. Other amounts can be used if desired.
  • the lubricant grease composition may also contain conventional thickeners for lubricant grease compositions, such as metal soaps, in amounts of less than 50 wt.%, preferably less than 10 wt.%, as well as other polymeric thickeners.
  • conventional thickeners for lubricant grease compositions such as metal soaps, in amounts of less than 50 wt.%, preferably less than 10 wt.%, as well as other polymeric thickeners.
  • the lubricant grease compositions according to the invention do contain only polymeric thickeners, most preferably the polymeric thickener mixture as described hereinabove.
  • lubricating base oil any lubricating oil known per se may be used, such as mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons, ester oils and mixtures thereof, of different viscosity.
  • the type of base oil and viscosity can be selected to suit specific applications.
  • additives known per se may be incorporated in the lubricant grease composition, as long as they do not have a detrimental effect on the thickener composition, the base oil and/or the final grease composition.
  • anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives as well as anti-oxidants etc. may be incorporated in conventional amounts in a manner known per se.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for preparing the lubricant grease composition according to the invention, comprising the following steps:
  • the polymeric thickener composition according to the invention is prepared by mixing the polymers in a manner known per se, which can optionally involve heating and/or the use of suitable solvents.
  • the polymers of the subject invention are mixed with a lubricating base oil and optional additives by means of conventional techniques known per se resulting in the lubricating grease composition according to the invention.
  • the preparation of the grease composition should preferably be carried out under a protective atmosphere, such as a nitrogen gasflow, for avoiding oxidation of the oils during heating.
  • the solid polymeric components and the lubricating base oil are heated together (preferably under stirring) to a temperature above the melting point of polypropylene, preferably 190-210°C, although other temperatures may be used if required.
  • the grease is cooled from the mixing temperature to room temperature.
  • this cooling is carried out in a period of time between 1 sec. - 3 min., preferably 10 sec. - 1 min., more preferably about 30 sec.
  • This rapid cooling process which forms an important aspect of the invention, will be indicated hereinbelow as "quenching".
  • the quenching of the lubricant grease composition can be carried out, for instance, by pouring the grease composition on a water-cooled metal plate, although any other suitable rapid cooling method may also be used, such as spraying.
  • the quenching process according to the invention has a major influence on the grease structure, giving significant improvement of the properties of the final grease compositions compared to both conventional lubricating greases, as well as lubricating greases according to the invention which are cooled slowly, e.g. in approximately 1 degree per minute by the use of conventional cooling methods, such as simply keeping the grease in the reaction vessel with external/internal cooling. This results, for the polymer grease, in a lubricant lacking any mechanical stability.
  • the polymeric thickener forms a sponge-like structure, which gives the grease its appearance and structure.
  • the lubricating base oil is kept within the pore-like spaces within the thickener structure, and bleeds out during service of the grease.
  • the smoother and more uniform thickener structure obtained by quenching has a beneficial influence on the final properties of the grease composition, such as the mechanical properties, the oil bleeding characteristics, the noise characteristics, as well as the transport of the oil within the grease structure, so that the properties of the polymer-thickened grease compositions obtained by the use of the polymeric thickener according to the invention are improved even further.
  • the grease lubricant composition is cooled, preferably quenched, the grease is "worked" to the required final consistency in a conventional manner, for instance in a three-roll mill or a grease worker. During the working of the grease, further additives can be added as is well known to a man skilled in the art. After "working", the grease is ready for use.
  • the polymer-thickened grease composition according to the present invention can be used for all conventional applications for lubricant grease compositions, so long as these are compatible with the components of the lubricant grease composition.
  • the superior oil bleeding characteristics at lower temperature makes the lubricant greases according to the invention especially suited for low temperature applications, for instance windmills. Also, on account of the long(er) relubrication intervals compared to conventional greases, the compositions according to the invention can advantageously be used in applications for which frequent relubrication is unpractical or undesired.
  • lubricant grease compositions according to the present invention are e.g. agricultural machinery, bearings in dam-gates, low noise electric motors, large size electric motors, fans for cooling units, machine tool spindles, screw conveyor.
  • the present invention further relates to a grease composition obtainable according to the method of the invention.
  • the invention relates to the use of polymer thickener as described hereinabove in the preparation of a lubricant grease composition with improved oil bleeding characteristics at low temperatures ( ⁇ 70°C).
  • the invention also relates to the use of a polymeric thickener as described hereinabove for the preparation of a lubricant grease composition with improved noise characteristics.
  • Example 1 shows the effect of cooling on the properties of the polymer thickened grease.
  • Example 2 a comparison of oil bleeding characteristics is given for polymer thickened lubricants versus conventional greases.
  • Example 3 shows the effect of polymer composition on grease appearance/texture.
  • Example 4 is the functional performance of the polymer thickend lubricating grease.
  • Polypropylenes are mixed with base-oil, heated under nitrogen to 195°C until complete dissolution of polypropylenes has taken place.
  • the solution is cooled down in two ways, i.e.
  • the rapid quenching method gives improved mechanical stability and noise characteristics.
  • Composition polymer grease see example 1.
  • Method of preparation see example 1, method 'b'.
  • Test method Oil separation in % according to DIN 51817 NLGI-class 2 grease Test temperature [°C] -0 20 40 70 polymer grease 1 3.8 8.5 14 SKF LGEP2 0 0.7 5 9 SKF LGMT2 0.4 1.3 6 12
  • composition polymer grease see example 1.
  • Method of preparation see example 1, method 'b'.
  • polymer grease composition grease texture/appearance 100% high molecular weight polypropylene stiff as tar high and low molecular weight polypropylene, ratio 1:1 rubbery/elastic high and low molecular weight polypropylene, ratio 1:4 rubbery/smooth high and low molecular weight polypropylene, ratio 1:19 smooth 100% low molecular weight polypropylene soft as butter
  • Composition polymer grease see example 1.
  • Method of preparation see example 1, method 'b'. Test method and conditions Standard Findings Grease service life
  • SKF ROF test method average grease life of 2000 hours bearing type: 6204 C3/2Z speed: 10,000 rpm temperature: 120°C grease filling: 1.4 g Lubricating ability in cold chamber test

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Lubricants (AREA)
EP95202464A 1994-09-09 1995-09-11 Polymer thickened lubricating grease Expired - Lifetime EP0700986B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP95202464A EP0700986B1 (en) 1994-09-09 1995-09-11 Polymer thickened lubricating grease

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP94202610 1994-09-09
EP94202610 1994-09-09
EP95202464A EP0700986B1 (en) 1994-09-09 1995-09-11 Polymer thickened lubricating grease

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0700986A2 EP0700986A2 (en) 1996-03-13
EP0700986A3 EP0700986A3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1996-04-10
EP0700986B1 true EP0700986B1 (en) 1999-07-28

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EP (1) EP0700986B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150368583A1 (en) * 2013-01-09 2015-12-24 Aktiebolaget Skf Polymer thickened grease composition and method for making the same

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1002587C2 (nl) * 1996-03-12 1997-09-15 Skf Ind Trading & Dev Geleidende polymeer-verdikte smeervetsamenstellingen.
US6090755A (en) * 1994-03-28 2000-07-18 Skf Industrial Trading & Development Company, B.V. Use of bismuth compounds in extreme pressure grease lubricant compositions for rolling bearing applications with extended service life
KR100363758B1 (ko) * 1994-09-09 2003-03-15 에스케이에프 엔지니어링 앤 리서치 센터 비.브이. 중합체성농조화제및이를함유한윤활그리스조성물
NL1002586C2 (nl) * 1996-03-12 1997-09-15 Skf Ind Trading & Dev Polymeer-verdikte smeermiddelen voor hoge werktemperaturen.
SE521451C2 (sv) * 1997-12-19 2003-11-04 Axel Christiernsson Ab Smörjfettkomposition innefattande en polyolefinkomponent och en basoljekomponent
CN1310379C (zh) * 2001-01-16 2007-04-11 郑慧光 一种提高电线路便拆式连接的传导性能的方法
BRPI0917870A2 (pt) * 2008-08-15 2015-11-24 Skf Ab método para produzir uma composição de graxa, composição de graxa, e, uso de uma composição de graxa
BR112013013581A2 (pt) 2010-12-06 2019-09-24 Skf Ab composição de graxa, componente mecânico, uso da composição de graxa, e, método para preparação de uma composição de graxa
CN103403138A (zh) 2010-12-09 2013-11-20 Skf公司 具有改进的低摩擦性能的聚合物增稠的润滑脂组合物
US20150147477A1 (en) * 2012-01-02 2015-05-28 Aktiebolaget Skf Grease & method for applying grease
EP2800914A4 (en) * 2012-01-02 2015-09-16 Skf Ab LUBRICATED MACHINE ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR ITS LUBRICATION
CN105229130B (zh) * 2013-05-30 2019-03-01 斯凯孚公司 聚合物润滑脂的制造方法
KR102842970B1 (ko) * 2019-08-27 2025-08-06 현대자동차주식회사 고온 내구성이 향상된 윤활제 조성물

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US2917458A (en) 1957-04-09 1959-12-15 Exxon Research Engineering Co Polypropylene grease
US3290244A (en) 1963-07-11 1966-12-06 Sun Oil Co Grease compositions containing atactic polypropylene
US3392119A (en) 1965-10-11 1968-07-09 Phillips Petroleum Co Grease
BE792057A (fr) 1971-11-29 1973-05-29 British Petroleum Co Composition de graisse

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150368583A1 (en) * 2013-01-09 2015-12-24 Aktiebolaget Skf Polymer thickened grease composition and method for making the same
US9688942B2 (en) * 2013-01-09 2017-06-27 Aktiebolaget Skf Polymer thickened grease composition and method for making the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0700986A3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1996-04-10
EP0700986A2 (en) 1996-03-13

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