GREASES
Exploring the benefits of urea-based thickened greases: a significant alternative to lithium-
based thickeners in the lubricant market
Francesc Alomar, Industrial Product Manager, Lubrizol
As the lubricant industry evolves to meet the demands of modern applications, the search for versatile and high-performing alternatives to traditional lithium- based thickeners has gained momentum. urea-based greases have emerged as a compelling option, offering a variety of benefits, particularly for industries seeking reliable lubrication solutions.
Discover how the advantageous properties of a urea-based thickened grease will make it a top consideration for years to come and position it as a key player in the future of lubrication.
The fundamental leverage of urea-based grease Understanding the basic components of urea-based grease helps shape the advantages as a viable alternative. urea-based grease results from the reaction of a diisocyanate with one or more monoamines. Handling and storing these isocyanate derivatives have always been a challenge to foster their development. Unlike traditional greases, urea-thickened greases are not based on metal carboxylate soaps. This ashless and conjugated structure contributes to outstanding oxidation resistance, providing a unique advantage in performance enhancement. urea-based grease is pivotal in applications such as electric motors, high-speed low-load process bearings,
high-temperature environments in steel mills, and sealed-for-life automotive components like wheel bearings. It is also used in constant velocity joints, transmission shaft bearings, steering mechanisms, and window winders.
Stability and resistance provide performance advantages urea-based thickened greases consist of various sub-families, categorised by their degree of polymerisation. The most common types are diurea, tetraurea, and polyurea. While there are subtle differences between these types, they all offer similar average performance benefits.
In this family, a key advantage that sets diurea thickened grease apart lies in its structural stability and outstanding oxidation resistance. Compared to other tetraurea or polyurea thickened greases, diurea greases offer improved shear stability. With a “rice pudding-like” structure, they are more efficient due to their lower churning losses than typical conventional soap and complex soap-thickened greases with their more rigid structures. diurea thickened greases provide higher protection for bearings under elevated temperatures, typically resulting in a minimum of 50% longer service lives and extended relubrication intervals.
Continued on page 14 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.186 APRIL 2025 13
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