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High Temperature Grease
High-Temperature Grease: General Overview, Composition and Formulation
High-temperature grease is a performance category rather than one fixed thickener chemistry. Depending on heat, speed, load, atmosphere and relubrication interval, it may use lithium complex, polyurea, calcium sulphonate complex, aluminium complex, clay or silica technology with mineral or synthetic base oil.
The formulation must be based on continuous temperature, peak exposure, oxidation life, bearing design, seal compatibility and application testing—not only dropping point.
General Composition of High-Temperature Grease
- COMPONENT | PURPOSE
Base oil
Mineral, PAO, ester, silicone, PFPE or another fluid selected for temperature and compatibility.
High-temperature thickener
Lithium complex, polyurea, calcium sulphonate complex, aluminium complex or non-soap system.
Antioxidant
Reduces oxidation and deposit formation at elevated temperature.
Antiwear or EP additive
Protects against load, shock and sliding wear.
Rust and corrosion inhibitor
Protects metal surfaces in humid or corrosive conditions.
Solid lubricant
Graphite, MoS₂ or another compatible solid may be used for boundary lubrication.
Seal-compatible additives
Selected to avoid damage to elastomers and surrounding materials.
Production Process and Lubechem Technical Support
- TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT SEQUENCE
1. Define continuous and peak operating conditions.
2. Select compatible base oil and thickener technology.
3. Develop the reaction or dispersion process.
4. Control dehydration and thermal development where required.
5. Add finishing oil and manage the cooling profile.
6. Add compatible antioxidants and performance additives.
7. Homogenise, deaerate and test the grease.
8. Validate performance in the target equipment.
LUBECHEM SUPPORT
• Application and failure analysis
• Thickener and synthetic-base-oil selection
• Formula, SOP and batch documentation
• Laboratory thermal and wear testing
• Pilot and commercial production support
• Plant/equipment recommendations
• Existing-product improvement and troubleshooting
Typical Specifications, Testing and Applications
- TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT TESTS
NLGI grade and worked penetration: ASTM D217
Dropping point: ASTM D2265 where meaningful
Base-oil viscosity: ASTM D445
Oxidation stability: ASTM D942
High-temperature bearing life: ASTM D3336 when applicable
Four-ball wear/weld: ASTM D2266 and ASTM D2596
Water washout: ASTM D1264
Rust prevention: ASTM D1743
Oil separation and evaporation: application-specific methods
COMMON APPLICATIONS
• Ovens, furnaces and hot conveyors
• Steel and cement plants
• High-temperature bearings
• Power-generation equipment
• Heavy construction and mining machinery
A high dropping point alone does not establish safe continuous operating temperature.
High-Temperature Grease: Frequently Asked Questions
- Which thickener is best for high temperature?
It depends on temperature, speed, load, atmosphere, compatibility and relubrication.
Can one grease work from very low to very high temperature?
Only after selecting a suitable synthetic base oil and validating the complete formulation.
Can high-temperature grease also carry heavy loads?
Yes, if the thickener, base oil and EP system are developed for the required load tests.
Is every high-temperature grease food grade?
No. Food-related use requires suitable ingredients and applicable compliance.
Can Lubechem improve an existing grease?
Yes, after reviewing the formula, test results, application and production process.
Get in Touch with Us
If you found this information useful and would like to discuss further, please contact us. We are committed to providing high-quality solutions tailored to your specific needs.
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