Lubricants -

Lubricants are flexible, liquid or solid agents applied on contact points of mating parts of machines or devices. Their main function is to reduce friction and provide corrosion protection.

Lubricants may be divided into:

• solid lubricants (greases) lubricating agents enriched by a thickener which, when added to a liquid oil, forms a solid lubricant. Greases in contrast to other lubricants, perform an additional function – they prevent preparation leakage from the friction point.
• lubricants for rubber are products prolonging the service life of components made of rubber. They prevent their wear by minimizing friction and sealing joints in rubber parts.
• lubricants for food industry are lubricant preparations that meet additional legal and process requirements due to the risk of contaminating food products and contact with food packaging. Such lubricants must be physiologically inert, i.e. tasteless, odourless and non-toxic.
• high temperature lubricants are products which may be used in difficult and demanding conditions such as high temperature or high loads.

The common features of lubricants include: removal of contaminants from the cooperating parts, dissipation of heat generated by friction, damping vibration, and reducing backlash in machines and equipment.

The use of lubricants is necessary for the proper functioning of mechanical systems equipped with pumps, pistons, bearings and turbines.  For this reason, lubricants are widely used for machines operated in various branches of industry and automotive sector.