EP2531587A1

EP2531587A1 - Lubricating greases containing lignosulfonate, the production thereof, and the use thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2531587A1
Application number: EP11711018A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Litters; Alexander Liebenau
Original assignee: Fuchs Petrolub SE
Current assignee: Fuchs SE
Priority date: 2010-02-02
Filing date: 2011-01-31
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-31
Also published as: CN102770513B; HRP20160072T1; EP2531587B1; ES2561821T3; HUE026690T2; PT2531587E; CA2788157C; DK2531587T3; AU2011212763B2; RU2012136909A; BR112012019181B1; KR101833854B1; CN102770513A; CA2788157A1; EP2531587B9; BR112012019181A2; AU2011212763A1; RU2554873C2; RS54610B1; JP2013518929A

Abstract

The invention relates to lubricating greases that contain calcium lignosulfonate, comprising a base oil, calcium soaps, calcium lignosulfonate having average molecular weights (weight average) of greater than 10000 g/mol, optionally in addition to further alkaline earth lingosulfonates, which can be produced by heating to greater than 120 °C while reacting and while driving out low-boiling components to produce a basic grease and cooling and adding base oil and optionally additives while mixing, to a corresponding method, and to the use of the lubricating greases containing calcium lignosulfonate.

Description

Greases containing lignosulfonate, their preparation and use

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of calcium lignosulfonate greases, such greases and their use

Lignin is a complex polymer based on phenylpropane units, which are interlinked with each other with a range of different chemical bonds. Lignin occurs in plant cells together with cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin itself is a cross-linked macromolecule with average molecular weights of e.g. greater than 10,000 g / mol (weight average).

As the monomer building blocks of lignin, essentially three types of monolignol monomers can be identified, which can be found in the

Methoxyilierungsgrad differ from each other. These are p-cumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol. These lignols are in the form of

Hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and Synringal (S) units in the

Lignin structure incorporated. Naked plants (gymnosperms), e.g. Pines contain predominantly G units and small amounts of H units. All lignins contain small amounts of incomplete or modified

Monolignols. The primary function of lignins in plants is to provide mechanical stability by cross-linking the plant polysaccharides. Lignin represents about 1/3 of the dry mass of wood and roughly represents 30% of the non-fossil organic carbon mass on Earth. It is the third most common organic material after cellulose and chitin and thus also a very readily available renewable raw material for industrial products.

Lignosulfonate is a by-product of papermaking

Sulfite method on. Chopped wood is crushed under pressure (e.g., 5 to 7 bar) for about 7 to 15 hours in the presence of wood chips

Calcium hydrogen sulfite heated and then removed by a washing and precipitation process, the lignosulfonic acid in the form of calcium lignosulfonate from the lignocellulose. Instead of calcium hydrogen sulfite, magnesium, sodium or ammonium sulfite can be used, resulting in the corresponding magnesium, sodium and ammonium salts of

Lignosulfonic acid leads.

CONFIRMATION COPY Evaporation of the wash liquor gives powdered lignosulfonates. The annual worldwide production of lignosulfonates amounts to approx. 55 million tons. Sodium, calcium and magnesium lignosulfonates are widely used as a base for the plasticization and liquefaction of concrete and mortar. Another use find lignosulfonates as Pelletierhilfsmittel in the concentrate industry and in other areas as dispersing or

Complexing agent.

Tribochemically acting extreme pressure (high pressure) and anti-wear (EP / AW) additives used in today's grease formulations account for a not inconsiderable amount of the formulation costs and are thus often the price-driving factor for greases.

Many of these additives are prepared by elaborate multi-step synthesis procedures and their use is limited by toxicological side effects that occur in many cases, both in the way they are used and in their use concentration in the final formulation. In some applications, eg in constant velocity universal joint shafts or in slow-moving and heavily loaded roller bearings, insufficient lubrication conditions or contact with the friction partners can not be avoided even with liquid additives. In these cases, solid lubricants based on inorganic compounds (eg Ca and Zn phosphate salts), plastic powders (eg PTFE) or metal sulfides (eg MoS ₂ ) have been used in the past practice. These components are also often expensive and have a decisive influence on the overall costs of a lubricant formulation.

Previous practice in the production of grease is the addition of these additives in a second, the actual chemical reaction process of

Thickening downstream process step. In this additive, especially solid lubricants must be distributed by intensive mixing and shearing processes with increased mechanical effort homogeneously in the relatively high viscosity grease to achieve their optimum effect. From today's point of view, the following often proves to be disadvantageous and has given rise to the present invention. Common lubricant additives and solid lubricants are usually not based on renewable resources and are often difficult to biodegrade. In addition, most common wear protection additives and friction-reducing lubricant additives require a complex synthetic chemistry and therefore represent a major cost factor. In particular, when using solid lubricants for highly loaded friction points dominate comparatively expensive materials such as M0S ₂ or PTFE.

Task / Advantage of the invention

The object of the invention is thus to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art described above, and to provide lignosulfonates both as a cost structurant and as a wear-protective, friction-reducing and anti-aging additive in lubricating greases and at the same time to provide good water resistance of the greases.

Due to the presence of lignosulfonate, the use of other common lubricant additives and solid lubricants, in particular MoS ₂ , can be minimized or even dispensed with.

Summary of the invention

The invention is characterized by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims or described below.

According to the method on which the present invention is based, a precursor (base fat) is first prepared by joining at least one of them

- base oil

Fatty acids and / or their esters or their salts, where the fatty acid salt is at least partially a calcium salt, for the preparation of soaps containing at least calcium soaps,

- If necessary, organic and / or inorganic complexing agents

Alkaline earth hydroxides, the alkaline earth hydroxides comprising at least CaOH,

- If necessary, water (eg as part of the hydroxides) and Ca lignosulfonate having weight average molecular weights of greater than 10,000 g / mol.

to effect by heating the expulsion of low boiling components, when using esters, and at least one reaction of the alkaline earth metal hydroxide with the fatty acids and / or their esters and the lignosulfonate, including the reaction with the complexing agents, as far as usable with the alkaline earth metal hydroxides complexing agents to form a thickener structure in the base oil. Low boiling components are those components which boil at up to about 100 ° C at normal pressure, such as water or C 1 to C 4 alcohols.

Preferably, to produce the base fat to temperatures of about 120 ° C or better above 180 ° C heated. The conversion to the base fat takes place in a heated reactor, which can also be designed as an autoclave or vacuum reactor.

Subsequently, in a second step by cooling, the formation of the thickener structure is completed and, if appropriate, further constituents, such as additives and / or base oil, are added to set the desired consistency or the desired property profile. The second step may be carried out in the reactor of the first step, but preferably the base grease from the reactor is transferred to a separate stirred tank for cooling and mixing in the optional further constituents.

If necessary, the resulting grease is homogenized, filtered and / or vented.

Ca / Li, Li / Ca and calcium thickened normal and complex soap fats are preferably used, in which calcium lignosulfonate is added even before the reaction phase to produce the base fat and incorporated into the grease structure by way of a thermal process in such a way that is very homogeneous oil-insoluble form and leads to high dropping point temperatures. The use of alkaline earth salts, preferably calcium salts, both on the side of the fatty acid salts and the lignosulfonate ensures that no salification takes place both in the preparation of the base fat and in the application.

The salification, in particular to the sodium salts, must be prevented in order to obtain a lignosulfonate-containing grease with good water resistance and at the same time a high dropping point. That is why the use of

To avoid sodium lignosulfonate and sodium hydroxide. The term "water resistance" is understood to mean that the fat is not emulsified by water according to the test according to DIN 51807-1 (Edition: 1979-04) or corresponds to the evaluation level 1 -90 (test at 90 ° C.). Under water resistance is also understood that the fat according to the test according to DIN 51807-2 (1990-03 edition) of the evaluation level 1 -80 (test at 80 ° C) corresponds.

The simultaneous use of an excess of alkali in the form of excess calcium hydroxide and optionally calcium acetate or other calcium salts as a complexing agent is to ensure that even small residues of free sulfonic acid groups neutralized in the lignosulfonic acid and a hygroscopic and water-emulsifying and corrosive promotional effect be withdrawn. By a high process temperature of greater than 120 ° C, in particular greater than 180 ° C is additionally ensured that the still registered in the lignosulfonate residual moisture is completely evaporated from the reaction medium and possibly not neutralized components of the

Lignosulfonate be neutralized by calcium hydroxide.

Suitable base oils are customary lubricating oils which are liquid at room temperature. The base oil preferably has a kinematic viscosity of 20 to 2500 mm ² / s, in particular 40 to 500 mm ² / s at 40 ° C.

The base oils can be classified as mineral oils or synthetic oils. As mineral oils, e.g. regards naphthenic and paraffinic mineral oils as classified into API Group I. Chemically modified low-aromatic and low-sulfur mineral oils with low saturated content and improved viscosity compared to Group I oils.

/ Temperature behavior, classified to API Group II and III, are also suitable. Synthetic oils which may be mentioned are polyethers, esters, polyalphaolefins, polyglycols and alkylaromatics and mixtures thereof. The polyether compound may have free hydroxyl groups, but may also be fully etherified or end groups esterified and / or prepared from a starting compound having one or more hydroxy and / or carboxyl groups (-COOH). Also possible are polyphenyl ethers, optionally alkylated, as sole components or even better as mixed components. Suitable for use are esters of an aromatic di-, tri- or tetracarboxylic acid, C2- to C22-alcohols present in or in a mixture, esters of adipic acid, sebacic acid, trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol or dipentaerythritol with aliphatic branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated C2 to C22-carboxylic acids, C18 dimer acid esters with C2 to C22 alcohols, complex esters, as individual components or in any desired mixture. The soaps produced are either pure calcium soaps or mixtures containing calcium soaps, in particular besides calcium soaps also lithium soaps and / or aluminum soaps, one or more saturated or unsaturated mono-carboxylic acids with 10 to 32 carbon atoms, optionally substituted, in particular with 12 to 22 carbon atoms, particularly preferred corresponding hydroxycarboxylic acids. Suitable carboxylic acids are, for example, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid or behenic acid and preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid. Instead of the free acid group and corresponding lower alcohol esters can be used with saponification, z. B. corresponding triglycerides and the methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or sec-butyl ester of acid / hydroxy acid to achieve a better dispersion.

The soap becomes a complex soap by the presence of a complexing agent. The complex soaps according to the invention (presence of a complexing agent) have increased dropping points, e.g. greater than 200 ° C (DIN ISO 2176). Suitably, the complexing agent to 0.5 to 20 wt.%, In particular 0.5 to 10 wt.% Used.

Complexing agents in the context of the present invention are: (a) the alkali salt (preferably lithium salt) excluding sodium salt, alkaline earth metal salt (preferably calcium salt) or aluminum salt of a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or hydroxycarboxylic acids having 2 to 8, in particular 2 to 4 carbon atoms or a di-carboxylic acid having 2 to 16 , in particular 2 to 12

Carbon atoms, each optionally substituted, and / or

(b) the alkali and / or alkaline earth metal salt of boric acid and / or phosphoric acid, in particular their reaction products with LiOH and / or Ca (OH) ₂ .

The complexing agent (a) is preferably exclusively a calcium salt, in particular if it is used as calcium acetate for the preparation of the base fat. Particularly suitable mono-carboxylic acids are acetic acid and propionic acid. Also suitable are hydroxybenzoic acids such as parahydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acids, 2-hydroxy-4-hexylbenzoic acid, metahydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid), 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gammaresorcylic acid) or 4-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid. Particularly suitable dicarboxylic acids are adipic acid (C ₆ Hio0 ₄ ), sebacic acid (Ci ₀ Hi ₈ O ₄ ), azelaic acid (CgHi ₆ 0 ₄ ) and / or 3-Fe / t-butyl-adipic acid (CioH- | ₈ 0 ₄ ) ,

As the borate (b), for example, metaborate, diborate, tetraborate or orthoborate, e.g. Monolithium orthoborate or calcium orthoborate. Suitable phosphates are alkali metal (preferably lithium) and alkaline earth metal (preferably calcium) dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, or pyrophosphate.

In addition, bentonites, such as montmorillonite (whose sodium ions may have been exchanged or partially exchanged by ammonium ions), aluminosilicates, clays, silicic acid (eg Aerosil), oil-soluble polymers (eg polyolefins, poly (meth) acrylates, polyisobutylenes, polybutenes, can optionally also be used or PS) or di- and polyureas are used as co-thickener. The bentonites, aluminosilicates, clays, silicic acid and / or oil-soluble polymers may be added to produce the base fat or added later as an additive in the second step. The di- and polyureas can be added as an additive. The compositions according to the invention optionally further contain additives as additives. Usual additives in the context of the invention are antioxidants, anti-wear agents, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dyes, lubricity improvers, viscosity additives, friction reducers and high-pressure additives.

Examples include:

Antioxidants, such as amine compounds (e.g., alkylamines or 1-phenylaminonaphthalene), aromatic amines, e.g. Phenylnaphthylamines or diphenylamines, phenolic compounds (e.g., 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), sulfur antioxidants, zinc dithiocarbamate or zinc dithiophosphate;

High pressure additives such as organic chlorine compounds, sulfur, phosphorus or calcium borate, zinc dithiophosphate, organic bismuth compounds;

- the "oiliness" improving agents such as C2 to C6 polyols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters or animal or vegetable oils;

Anticorrosive agent such as e.g. Petroleum sulfonate, dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate or sorbitan ester;

Metal deactivators such as e.g. Benzotriazole or sodium nitrite;

Viscosity improvers, e.g. Polymethacrylate, polyisobutylene, oligode-1-ene, and polystyrenes;

Anti-wear additives and friction modifiers such as organomolybdenum complexes (OMC), molybdenum di-alkyl dithiophosphates, molybdenum di-alkyl dithiocarbamates or molybdenum sulfide di-alkyl dithiocarbamates, in particular molybdenum di-n-butyl dithiocarbamate and molybdenum disulfide di-alkyl dithiocarbamate (Mo20 _m S _n (dialkylcarbamate) 2 with m = 0 to 3 and n = 4 to 1),

Friction reducer, e.g. functional polymers such as e.g. Oleylamides, polyether- and amide-based organic compounds, e.g. Alkylpolyethylene glycol tetradecylene glycol ether.

In addition, the grease compositions of the present invention contain conventional anti-corrosive, oxidative and anti-metal additives which act as chelates, radical scavengers, UV transducers, reaction layer formers, and the like. As solid lubricants may, for example, polymer powder such as polyamides, polyimides or PTFE, graphite, metal oxides, boron nitride, metal sulfides such. As molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide or mixed sulfides based on tungsten, molybdenum, bismuth, tin and zinc, inorganic salts of alkali metal and Erdalka- limetalle, such as calcium carbonate, sodium and calcium phosphates are used. Solid lubricants can be divided into the following four groups: layered structure compounds such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide, graphite, hexagonal boron nitride, and some metal halides; oxidic and hydroxidic compounds of the transition and alkaline earth metals or their carbonates or phosphates; soft metals and / or plastics. The desired advantageous lubrication properties can be adjusted by the use of lignosulfonates, without having to use solid lubricants. In many cases, these can be dispensed with completely or at least can be significantly minimized. As far as solid lubricants are used graphite can be used advantageously.

As lignosulfonate calcium lignosulfonates having a molecular weight (Mw, weight average) of greater than 10,000, in particular greater than 12,000 or even greater than 1 5000 g / mol used, for example from greater than 10,000 to 65,000 g / mol or 15,000 - 65,000 g / mol, which in particular 2 to 12% by weight, in particular 4 to 10% by weight, of sulfur (calculated as elemental sulfur) and / or 5 to 15% by weight, in particular 8 to 15% by weight of calcium (calculated Ca). In addition to calcium lignosulfonates, other alkaline earth lignin sulfonates may additionally be used. The weight average molecular weight is determined, for example, by size exclusion chromatography. A suitable method is the SEC-MALLS method as described in the article by GE Fredheim, SM Braaten and BE Christensen, "Comparison of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of softwood and hardwood lignosulfonates" published in "Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology , Vol.23, no.2, pages 197-215, 2003 and the article "Molecular weight determination of lignosulfonates by size exclusion chromatography and multi-angle laser scattering" of the same authors, published in Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 942, Issue 1 -2, 4 January 2002, pages 191 -199 (mobile phase: phosphate DMSO SDS, stationary phase: Jordi-glucose DVB as described under 2.5), suitable calcium Lignosulfonates are, for example, the commercially available products Norlig 1 1 D and Borrement Ca 120 from Borregard Lignotech.

The lubricating grease according to the invention is characterized by the following composition:

a) from 55 to 92% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, of the base oil, b) from 0 to 40% by weight, in particular from 2 to 10% by weight, of additives,

c) 3 to 40 wt.%, In particular 5 to 20 wt.%, Soaps and

d) 0 to 20% by weight or 0.5 to 20% by weight, in particular 0.5 to 10

% By weight, complexing agent, and

e) excess Ca (OH) ₂ , preferably 0.01 to 2 wt.%,

f) from 0.5 to 50, in particular from 2 to 15,% by weight, and particularly preferably from 3 to 8,% by weight of lignosulfonate, in particular calcium lignosulfonate,

in each case based on the entire composition, wherein the components and their preferred variants are defined above.

It has now been found that lignosulfonates act as structure formers for water-resistant lubricating greases with simultaneous properties as solid lubricant or wear protection additive and aging stabilizer. At the same time, surprisingly synergistic effects of lignin sulfonate with other solid lubricants, e.g. observed with graphite or calcium carbonate.

It has also been found that lignosulfonates are multifunctional components for lubricants. Due to their high number of polar groups and aromatic structures, their polymeric structure and low solubility in all types of lubricating oils, lignosulfonates are not only suitable as thickener constituents but also as solid lubricants in lubricating greases and lubricating pastes. In addition, the sulfur content promotes the EP / AW effect in the lubricating greases and the phenolic structures provide an anti-aging effect.

It is believed that the lignosulfonate structure has a predominantly planar structure due to its large number of polymeric and polar aromatic units. Thus, under the influence of external frictional and shear forces, these can deposit very well in layer structures on metal surfaces, because the aromatic nuclei of the lignin sulfonate interact in an associative manner with the metal surface, and even at high loads or pressures metallic friction partners effectively and permanently from each other separate.

If calcium lignosulfonate is added even before the start of the reaction phase in the production of soap thickeners, in particular calcium complex soaps, these on the one hand produce an additional thickening effect and a high dropping point and on the other hand they improve the wear protection and lubricating effects of corresponding grease formulations. Therefore, it is beneficial for the distribution and effect of additives and solid lubricants, if they are chemically or mechanically integrated during the reaction phase as an additional structural element in situ in the thickener structure.

For the production of soap greases with high dropping points, in many cases specially treated and expensive fatty acids, e.g. 12-hydroxistearic acid or special chelating agents such as e.g. Borates or salts of acetic acid, sebacic acid and azelaic acid are used, which have no or only a small simultaneous effect as anti-wear and friction-reducing additive. By using Ca lignosulfonates, the use of said components can be reduced or even dispensed with. Furthermore, the use of Ca lignosulfonates offers the opportunity to formulate high performance lubricating fats based on renewable raw materials and to dispense with an environmentally harmful additive chemistry.

Thickening oils consisting of unmodified or slightly modified natural fatty acid esters with metal soaps based on animal or vegetable fatty acids and lignosulfonates used as the only other thickener and simultaneous additive component, we obtain greases, except for the calcium hydroxide used for the metal soaps were produced exclusively on the basis of renewable raw materials. These are resistant to aging and wear, as well as increasing the load stress and reducing friction by the use of lignosulfonates as thickener component. The greases according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in or for constant velocity universal joint, rolling bearings and gearbox.

Insofar as the base oils used are readily biodegradable esters, e.g. those containing predominantly renewable raw materials, the lubricating greases are also suitable for loss lubrication in the environmentally sensitive field (for example in mining or agriculture).

In the particular case of lubrication maintenance-free constant velocity universal joint shafts was using calcium lignosulfonate first formulated a grease, which leads in contrast to the prior art entirely without M0S ₂ and other organic and inorganic molybdenum compounds to high lifetimes and good efficiencies. In addition, the absence of additives other than Reibwertminderer, Fresslast- and wear protection causes a very good compatibility with commercially available Gelenkwellenfaltenbalgmaterialien such as chloroprene rubber and thermoplastic polyether esters. Since the sulfur containing lignosulfonate is bound by thermally stable sulfonate groups, unlike the sulfur bound in conventional additives, it can only be released at very high temperatures or activation energies, such as occur in grease applications only with highly loaded tribocontacts. Thus, a subsequent vulcanization or crosslinking of rubber materials is largely prevented by sulfur released from the aged lubricant.

The use of calcium lignosulfonate in an overbased excess calcium hydroxide grease formulation prevents free lignin sulfonic acid from exerting a hydrolytic action on bellows such as thermoplastic polyether esters.

It is a particular aspect of the present invention to arrive at cost optimized grease formulations for highly loaded lubrication points such as, in particular, constant velocity joints which have good compatibility with bellows constructed of e.g. thermoplastic polyetheresters (TPE) and

Chloroprenen (CR), at the same time high efficiency, low wear and long life. Preparation Examples

Example A (Comparative Example)

Into a reactor, 958 g of tallow fatty acid, 958 g of beef tallow, 958 g of calcium acetate, 27.7 g of trisodium phosphate, 27.7 g of calcium borate and 358 g of calcium hydroxide were placed in 12000 g of a base oil mixture and 150 ml of water were added. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 198 ° C with stirring while the added water and the water of reaction evaporated. In the cooling phase, additives (see table) were added to the batch at certain temperatures.

After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3700 g of the base oil mixture, the final product was homogenized on a toothed colloid mill. The fat thus obtained is e.g. suitable as constant velocity universal joint grease.

Example B:

Into a reactor were placed in 14000 g of a base oil mixture 460 g tallow fatty acid, 445 g beef tallow, 460 g calcium acetate, 27.7 g trisodium phosphate, 27.7 g calcium borate and 168 g calcium hydroxide and 920 g calcium lignosulfonate (Norlig 11 D powder from Borregard Lignotech) and added 150 ml of water. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 208 ° C with stirring, thereby evaporating the added water and the reaction water. In the cooling phase, additive was added to the batch at certain temperatures (see table). After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3450 g of the base oil mixture, the end product was homogenized on a toothed colloid mill. The fat thus obtained is e.g. suitable as constant velocity universal joint grease, r Example C (comparative example):

800 g of 12-hydroxystearic acid, 288 g of sebacic acid, 388 g of calcium acetate and 157.3 g of calcium hydroxide were introduced into a reactor in 5000 g of a base oil mixture. 64 g of LiOH x H ₂ O were dissolved in 250 ml of water and added. The mixture was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 200 ° C with stirring while the added water and the water of reaction evaporated. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3116 g of the base oil mixture, the final product was homogenized on a toothed colloid mill. The resulting grease is suitable as a rolling bearing grease, for example.

Example D:

To a reactor was added, in 5000 g of a base oil mixture, 600 g of 12-hydroxystearic acid, 216 g of sebacic acid, 291 g of calcium acetate and 720 g

Calcium hydroxide and 300 g calcium lignin sulfonate (Norlig 11 D powder from Borregard Lignotech) submitted. 48 g of LiOH x H ₂ O were dissolved in 250 ml of water and added. The mixture was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 200 ° C with stirring, thereby evaporating the added water and the reaction water. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3116 g of the base oil mixture, the final product was homogenized on a toothed colloid mill. The resulting grease is suitable as a rolling bearing grease, for example.

Example E (Comparative Example)

Into a reactor were added in 12000 g of a base oil mixture 380 g of tallow fatty acid, 1360 g of beef tallow, 80 g of trisodium phosphate, 80 g of calcium borate, 1400 g

Submitted calcium acetate and 493 g of calcium hydroxide and added 150 ml of water. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 230 ° C with stirring, thereby evaporating the added water and the water of reaction. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3125 g of the base oil mixture, the final product was homogenized on a Zahnkolloidmühle. The fat thus obtained is e.g. suitable as rolling bearing grease.

Example F:

Into a reactor were added in 12000 g of a base oil mixture 1260 g of tallow fatty acid, 1240 g of beef tallow, 80 g of trisodium phosphate, 80 g of calcium borate, 1278 g

Calcium acetate, 493 g of calcium hydroxide and 885 g calcium lignosulfonate (Norlig 11 D Powder Borregard Lignotech) submitted and added 150 ml of water. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 225 ° C with stirring, thereby evaporating the added water and the water of reaction. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 3125 g of the base oil mixture, the end product was homogenized using a tooth colloid mill. The resulting grease is suitable as a rolling bearing grease, for example.

Example G (Comparative Example)

Into a reactor were placed in 3500 g of methyl oleate ester, 975 g of calcium 12-hydroystearate, 225 g of calcium acetate and 15 g of calcium borate. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 200 ° C with stirring. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 180 g of methyl oleate ester, the final product was homogenized on a 3-roll mill. The resulting grease is based on predominantly renewable raw materials.

Example H:

Into a reactor were added 1965 g of methyl oleate ester, 841 g of calcium 12-hydroystearate, 219.5 g of calcium acetate, 15 g of calcium borate and 418 g

Calcium lignosulfonate (Norlig 1 D powder from Borregard Lignotech) submitted. The batch was heated in a predetermined temperature program to 200 ° C with stirring. In the cooling phase, additives were added to the batch at certain temperatures. After adjusting the batch to the desired consistency by adding 1684 g of trimethylolproprantrioleate ester, the final product was homogenized on a 3-roll mill. The resulting grease is based on predominantly renewable raw materials.

Examples I and J:

Preparations of Example Formulations I and J correspond to the preparation of Example H using different amounts of calcium 12-hydroxy stearate, calcium acetate and calcium lignin sulfonate, as well as different compositions of ester base oils. The greases obtained in this way are based on predominantly renewable raw materials. Table 1: Cardan shaft fat formulations

Example A B

Reference Invention Calcium Description Complex calcium complex with 6% MoS2 lignosulfonate

1. thickener:

1.1 lignosulfonate:

Calcium lignosulfonate 0.0 6.1

1.2 fatty acids / triglycerides:

Mixed fatty acid 4.8 2.9 Mixed triglyceride 4.8 2.8

1.3 Alkali Hydroxide:

Ca (OH) 2 1.8 1, 5

1.4 Complexing agent:

Ca acetate 4.8 3.0

Ca borate 0.1 0.2

2. Base oils:

Mixed mineral oil (with

v40 = 100mm ² / s) 79.5 80.8

3. Additives:

Antioxidant 1 0.6 0.5 Antioxidant 2 0.6 0.5 Corrosion protection 0.5 0.2 Solid lubricant Graphite 0.5 1, 0 Solid lubricant MoS2 1, 8 0.0 Total 100 100

4. Characteristics Method Unit

4.1 General physical

dates

Penetration not forged DIN ISO 2137 0.1 mm 263 315 penetration forced 60 double cycles DIN ISO 2137 0.1mm 351 340 copper corrosion 24h / 100 ° C DIN 51811 Assessment level 1-100 1-100 Dropping point DIN ISO 2176 ° C 240 280

Oil separation 18h / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 0.4 2.1 Oil separation 7d / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 2 8.9

4.2 Water resistance

static water resistance

3h / 90 ° C DIN 51807-1 rating 1-90 1-90

Washout loss at 80 ° C DIN 51807-2 Assessment Level 1 1 Table 1 (continued): Cardan shaft grease formulations

Example A B

Reference Invention Calcium

Denomination complex calcium complex with 6% with MoS2 lignosulfonate

4.3 Reduction of friction

SRV at 80 ° C (40Hz, 1.5mm amplitude, 500N

Load) ASTM D D5707-05

Coefficient of friction 0.107 0.097

Course calm

SRV at 150 ° C (40Hz, 1.5mm amplitude, 500N

Load) ASTM D D5707-05

Coefficient of friction 0.097 0.085

Course calm

4.4 Wear protection effect

VKA welding load DIN 51350-4 N 3400 3800 N

VKA-calotte 1000N / 1 min DIN 51350-5 mm 1, 02 0,62

4.5 Compatibility with bellows materials

4.6.1 Chloroprene Inepsa 4012 168h / 120 ° C

-Shore A DIN 53505 -2 -1

Volume change DIN 53521% +3.5 -0.5

Change tensile strength DIN 53504% -0.5 -1, 2

Change elongation DIN 53504% -22.1 -19

4.6.2 NBR rubber

SRE NBR 34 7d / 100 ° C DIN 53538-3

-Shore A DIN 53505 -2 -3

Volume change DIN 53521% +3.4 + 3.1

Change tensile strength DIN 53504% -2.9 - 5

Change elongation DIN 53504% -7.8 -4.5

4.6.3 TPE elastomers

Hytrel 8332 336h / 125 ° C

-Shore D DIN 53505 -3 -2

Volume change DIN 53521% +13.1 + 6.2

Change tensile strength DIN 53504% -32.9 + 6.7

Change Elongation DIN 53504% -27 + 61

Arnitel EB 463 336h / 125 ° C

-Shore D DIN 53505 -6 0

Volume change DIN 53521% +10.7 +10.2

Change tensile strength DIN 53504% -15 -19,7

Change elongation DIN 53504% -10 + 7.8

4.6.4 EPDM rubber

Vamac Y76HR 336h / 125 ° C

-Shore A DIN 53505 +3 + 5

Volume change DIN 53521% +6 + 0.3

Change tensile strength DIN 53504% -17.4 -1, 8

Change elongation DIN 53504% -39 - 35

5. Life test on the constant velocity universal joint shaft testing

Lifetime million overrolls 13.6 11, 2

Average steady temperature ° C 41, 1 38,8 Table 2: Rolling bearing grease formulations

Example C D E F

Reference Invention Reference Invention Calcium / Lithium Calcium / Lithium Description Complex Complex Complex calcium complex containing 6% with 5% lignosulfonate lignosulfonate

1. thickener:

1.1 lignosulfonate:

Calcium lignosulfonate 0.0 6.0 5.1

1.2 fatty acids riglycerides:

12-HSA 8.0 5.0

Mixed fatty acid 6,9 5,6

Mixed triglyceride 6,8 5,4

1.3 Alkali Hydroxide:

LiOH ^* H 2 O 0.6 0.4

Ca (OH) 2 1, 6 1, 0 2.5 2.0

1.4 Complexing agent:

Sebacic acid 2,9 1, 8

Ca acetate 3.9 2.4 7.0 5.7

Ca borate 0.4 0.3

2. Base oils:

Mixed mineral oil (with v40 81, 6 82.0 75.6 75.3

3. Additives:

Antioxidant 1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Antioxidant 2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Corrosion Protection 1 1 0.4 0.3

total

Table 2 (continued): Rolling Bearing Formulations

5

Example C D E F

Reference Invention Reference Invention Calcium / Lithium Calcium / Lithium

Description Complex complex calcium complex calcium complex containing 6% with 5% lignosulfonate lignosulfonate

4. Characteristics Method Unit

4.1 General physical data

Penetration not forged DIN ISO 2137 0,1mm 299 278 199 196 penetration forced 60 double cycles DIN ISO 2137 0,1mm 310 299 234 242 Drop point DIN ISO 2176 ° C 206 230 255> 260

Oil separation 18h / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 2.2 1, 1 0 0 Oil separation 7d / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 4.1 3.9 0.8 0.6

4.2 Water resistance

static water resistance

3h / 90 ° C DIN 51807-1 rating 1-90 1-90 1-90 1-90

Washout loss at 80 ° C DIN 51807-2 Assessment Level 1 1 1 1

4.3 Corrosion protection

Emcor distilled water DIN 51802 rating 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

4.5 Wear protection effect

VKA welding load DIN 51350-4 N 2000 3400 2000 3200 VKA dome 1000N / 1 min DIN 51350-5 0.1 mm 0.91 0.45 0.89 0.67

5. Rolling bearing tests

FAG-FE9 (A / 1500/6000/120 ° C) DIN51821-2

Average service life L10 78 110 35 78 Average service life L50 115 220 74 156

Table 3: Lubricating grease formulation with base oils from renewable raw materials

Example G H I

Reference Invention Inventive Calcium Calciu

Designation complex calcium complex calcium complex Kompl

1. thickener:

1.1 lignosulfonate:

Calcium lignosulfonate 0 7.1 9.9 5.1

1.2 finished soaps:

Ca-12-hydroxystearate 19.5, 14.1, 19.8, 10.1

1.6 Complexing agent:

Ca acetate 4.5 2.9 4.0 2.1 Ca borate 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.1

2. Base oils:

Trimethylolpropane trioleate 28.5 methyloleate 73.6 73.6 63.9 52.1

3. Additives:

Antioxidant 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Corrosion protection 2 2,0 2,0 2,0

Total 100 100 100 100

4. Characteristics Method Unit

4.1 General physical data

Penetration not forcibly DIN ISO 2137 0, mm 189 08 170 232 Penetration forged 60 double cycles DIN ISO 2137 0.1 mm 221 209 219 301 Copper corrosion 24h / 100 ° C DIN 51811 Assessment level 1-100 1-100 1-100 1-10 Dropping point DIN ISO 2176 X 210 250 248 205

Oil separation 18h / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.4 Oil separation 7d / 40 ° C DIN 51817% 0.6 0.5 0.1 2.5

4.2 Water resistance

static water resistance 3h / 90 ° C DIN 51807-1 rating 1-90 1-90 1-90 1-90

4.3 Corrosion protection

Emcor distilled water DIN 51802 rating 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1

4.5 Wear protection effect

VKA welding load DIN 51350-4 N 2000 2800 3000 2400 VKA dome 1000N / 1 min DIN 51350-5 0.1mm 0.89 0.67 0.54 0.48

Claims

claims

A process for producing lignosulfonate-containing greases comprising a) the step of bringing together at least:

- a base oil

a calcium soap, optionally in situ, having 10 or more carbon atoms, wherein when the calcium soaps are prepared in situ, at least calcium hydroxide is added,

Calcium lignosulfonate having weight average molecular weights of greater than 10,000 g / mol,

Heating to greater than 120 ° C for reaction and expulsion of low-boiling components to produce a base grease and

b) the step of cooling and the addition of base oil and optionally additives with mixing.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step a) calcium hydroxide is added in addition to optionally further alkaline earth metal hydroxides.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the grease is set alkaline, in particular by the addition of calcium hydroxide in excess.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating takes place at temperatures of greater than 180 ° C.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition to calcium hydroxide in step a) and lithium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and / or aluminum hydroxide or aluminum alkoxides and / or aluminum oxoalkoholate and / or lithium, magnesium and / or aluminum soaps of a saturated or unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid having 10 to 32 carbon atoms, optionally substituted, can be used.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that grease contains independently of one another:

From 55 to 92% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, of the base oil,

From 0 to 40% by weight, in particular from 2 to 10% by weight, of additives,

- 3 to 40 wt.%, In particular 5 to 20 wt.%, Soaps and - 0 to 20 wt.%, In particular 0.5 to 10 wt.%, Complexing agent, and

if necessary, excess Ca (OH) ₂ , preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight,

- From 0.5 to 50, in particular 2 to 15 wt.%, And particularly preferably 4 to 8 wt.% Calcium lignosulfonate, optionally in addition to others

Erdalkaliligninsulfonaten,

in each case based on the total composition of the grease.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the base fat of step a) can be produced using

From 40 to 70% by weight, in particular from 45 to 60% by weight, of the base oil,

- 10 to 60 wt.%, In particular 15 to 50 wt.%, Soaps and

- 0 to 30 wt.%, In particular 5 to 20 wt.%, Complexing agent, and

if necessary, excess Ca (OH) ₂ , preferably 0.02 to 4% by weight,

- 0.7 to 50, especially 4 to 30 wt.%. % Calcium lignosulfonate, optionally together with other alkaline earth lignosulfonates,

in each case based on the composition of the base fat.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the grease independently 0.2 to 5 wt.% Graphite contains and / or no solid lubricant or less <1 wt.% Solid lubricant, in particular no MoS. ₂

Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the calcium soap is prepared in situ as a reaction product of calcium hydroxide, with a saturated or unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid of 10 to 32 carbon atoms, in particular 16 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally substituted e.g. by hydroxy, as ester or anhydride.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Complexing agent as a reaction product of a calcium salt, in particular calcium hydroxide, with a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 2 to 8, in particular 2 to 4, carbon atoms or a di-carboxylic acid having 2 to 16, in particular 2 to 12 carbon atoms, in each case optionally substituted, for example by hydroxy, as ester or anhydride, while step a) is added.

1 1. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Complexing agent is a calcium salt of a carboxylic acid and in situ during step a) by adding a saturated or unsaturated mono-

Carboxylic acid having 2 to 8, in particular 2 to 4, carbon atoms or a di-carboxylic acid having 2 to 16, in particular 2 to 12 carbon atoms, each optionally substituted, e.g. by hydroxy, as ester or anhydride.

12. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the calcium lignosulfonate is dehydrated prior to addition to values of less than 0.5 wt.% Water, e.g. by heating in the base oil above 95 ° C, especially above 100 ° C to e.g. 120 ° C.

13. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the composition contains complexing agent to 0.5 to 20 wt.%, In particular 0.5 to 10 wt.%.

14. Containing grease composition

From 0 to 40% by weight, in particular from 2 to 10% by weight, of additives,

From 3 to 40% by weight, in particular from 5 to 20% by weight, of calcium soaps having 10 or more carbon atoms,

- 0 to 20 wt.%, In particular 0.5 to 10 wt.%, Complexing agent, and

if necessary, excess Ca (OH) ₂ , preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight,

From 0.5 to 50, in particular from 2 to 15,% by weight, and particularly preferably from 2 to 8% by weight, of calcium lignosulphonate, if appropriate in addition to further alkaline earthignin sulfonates,

in each case based on the total composition of the grease.

15. The composition according to claim 14, characterized in that the composition has a cone penetration value (Walkpenetration) of 265 to 385 mm / 10 (at 25 ° C), preferably 285 to 355 mm / 10, determined according to ISO 2137, having.

16. The composition according to at least one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the base oil has a kinematic viscosity of 20 to 2500 mm ² / s, preferably from 40 to 500 mm ² / s, at 40 ° C.

17. The composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the complexing agent consists of:

an alkali metal salt, preferably lithium salt, alkaline earth metal salt, preferably calcium salts, or aluminum salt of a saturated or unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid having 2 to 8, in particular 2 to 4, carbon atoms or a di-carboxylic acid having 2 to 16, in particular 2 to 12 carbon atoms, in each case optionally substituted.

18. Composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the additive comprises one or more members selected from the following group:

Antioxidants, such as amine compounds, phenolic compounds, sulfonic acid antioxidants, zinc dithiocarbamate or zinc dithiophosphate;

- high-pressure additives such as organic chlorine compounds, sulfur, phosphorus or calcium borate, zinc dithiophosphate, organic

bismuth compounds;

C2 to C6 polyols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters or animal or vegetable oils;

Anticorrosion agents such as petroleum sulfonate, dinonyinaphthalenesulfonate or sorbitan esters;

Metal deactivators such as benzotriazole or sodium nitrite;

- viscosity improvers such as polymethacrylate, polyisobutylene, oligo-dec-1-ene, and polystyrenes;

- Wear protection additives such as molybdenum di-alkyl dithiocarbamates or molybdenum sulfide di-alkyl dithiocarbamates, aromatic amines;

Friction modifiers such as functional polymers such as oleylamides, polyether- and amide-based organic compounds or molybdenum dithiocarbamate, and - Solid lubricants such as polymer powder such as polyamides, polyimides or PTFE, graphite, metal oxides, boron nitride, metal sulfides such. As molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide or mixed sulfides based on tungsten, molybdenum, bismuth, tin and zinc, inorganic salts of alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as calcium carbonate, sodium and

Calcium phosphates.

19. A composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the grease is water-resistant and namely a) according to the test according to DIN 51807-1, the evaluation level 1 -90 and / or b) according to DIN 51807-2 the rating level 1-80.

20. The composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the calcium lignosulfonate has a mean molecular weight (Mw, weight average) of greater than 10,000, in particular greater than 12,000 or even greater than 15,000 g / mol, which independently thereof 2 to 12% by weight, in particular 4 to 10% by weight, of sulfur (calculated as elemental sulfur) and / or further independently 5 to 15% by weight, in particular 8 to 15% by weight of calcium.

21. A composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the grease contains a base oil based on renewable raw materials and / or is constructed to a proportion of greater than 95% based on renewable raw materials.

22. The composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the composition contains complexing agent to 0.5 to 20 wt.%, In particular 0.5 to 10 wt.%.

23. Use of the composition according to at least one of claims 14 to 22 for the lubrication of at least one constant-velocity joint, in particular as part of homokinetic propeller shafts, transmission, and a rolling and sliding bearing.