The fact that solid lubricants can offer adequate lubrication under extreme conditions may leave you wondering, “What is solid lubricant?” Well, any lubricant helps to reduce friction and wear between two moving parts rubbing against one another. However, solid lubricants provide more functionalities and benefits to moving machine parts.

Solid lubrication is commonly used in bearing parts due to its unique properties. It helps to increase bearing longevity, reduce maintenance needs, and reduce oil loss from washouts. However, different solid lubricants, including graphite and molybdenum disulfide solid lubricants, have distinct properties that we’ll look at.

Let’s find out what a solid lubricant is, how it works, and when to use it.

What is it?

A solid lubricant has lamellar structures that prevent direct contact between two surfaces in contact even in extreme conditions. So, you can use it as an additive in oils and grease. Also, when manufacturing the components, you can allot or add them to the surface. Graphite and molybdenum disulfide are great examples of solid lubricants. 

How Does it Work?

A solid lubricant can mold quickly into a bearing cavity, as it’s a polymer material. It has numerous micro-pores that contain oil. So, the oil gets released as the bearing structure operates. However, the pores will reabsorb the oil when the bearing rests. Notably, a bearing can contain all the oil it will need for its lifespan within the micropores.

When is it Used?

A solid lubricant is an excellent solution for complex applications, including the ones subject to heavy contamination and parts in hard-to-reach locations. You can also use it in applications involving frequent washdowns. Other applications of a solid lubricant are:

• Solid Lubricant and Washdowns: Applications that require regular washdowns with cleaners or water needs solid lubrication to reduce bearing failure.
• Solid Lubricant and Agricultural Practices: Solid lubrication can be effective in the agricultural industry by protecting the rolling elements as a secondary sealing system and eliminating the need for bearing relubrication.
• Reduce Bearing Maintenance: Since many bearing structures are in hard-to-reach places, regular regreasing can be tiresome. Thankfully, a solid lubricant eliminates the need to lubricate the bearing structures frequently. 

Lubchem Has You Covered

So far, you can answer the question, “What is solid lubricant?” All you need to do is find out what works best for you now that you know the commonly used solid lubricants and their features. The good news is that the lubricating properties of solid lubricants are excellent. Besides, you can find high-performance lubricants at Lubchem.

Contact us today to order high-quality solid lubricants for your application.