Chloe Zhang
Choosing the right grease for plastics is essential to avoid destructive effects on the material. Regular grease, for instance, contains oil and can cause plastic to swell or soften over time. Silicone grease, on the other hand, is often recommended as it tends to be inert towards plastics and elastomers, increasing the lifespan of components and improving performance. Other options include white lithium grease, which is suitable for metal-to-metal applications, and specialised lubricants like Electrolube's Special Plastics Grease, which offers excellent compatibility with thermoplastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lubricant | Silicone grease, White lithium grease |
| Compatibility | Must be compatible with the material of the plastic gear to prevent premature deterioration, pitting or cracking |
| Additives | Must consider any additives in the lubricant, petroleum-based lubricants will damage plastic |
| Plastic type | Reactive plastics include polystyrene, ABS resins, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene oxides, and polysulfone |
| Thermal stability | Consider the temperature range in which the lubricant will be effective, some lubricants lose film-forming capabilities at low temperatures due to increased viscosity |
| Viscosity | High viscosity-temperature coefficient is essential for devices subject to significant thermal excursions |
| Friction | Low coefficient of friction is desirable, as seen in silicone grease due to the wide bond angles between silicone and oxygen |
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What You'll Learn
Silicone grease
One of the key advantages of silicone grease is its compatibility with plastics. Unlike regular grease, which contains oil and can cause plastic to swell or soften over time, silicone grease does not affect the longevity or performance of plastic parts. This makes it suitable for use in automotive applications, such as lubricating plastic gears or threads, as well as in pool equipment and plumbing, where it provides excellent waterproof protection.
Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE) is a popular example of silicone grease that can be used on plastic components. It has a wide operating range of -40°F to 500°F (-40°C to 260°C) and is dielectric, food-grade, and moisture-resistant. It is also compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
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Mineral oil
When choosing a lubricant for plastics, it is important to consider the specific type of plastic and its compatibility with different oils. Some plastics, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon, and acetal, are known to be compatible with synthetic lubricants like mineral oil. These plastics have been developed to withstand the effects of mineral oil and similar lubricants, ensuring they do not degrade or discolour over time. It is always recommended to check the compatibility of the plastic with the chosen lubricant to avoid any adverse effects.
In addition to mineral oil, there are other options available for lubricating plastics. Silicone grease, for example, is often recommended for use with plastic parts, especially in automotive applications. Silicone grease is known for its lubricity, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of plastic components. It is important to note that regular grease containing oil should be avoided, as it can cause plastic to swell or soften over time, leading to potential issues with the longevity of the plastic parts. Therefore, silicone grease is often preferred for its compatibility and effectiveness in maintaining the integrity of plastic components.
While mineral oil is a common choice for lubricating plastics, it is always advisable to consider the specific type of plastic and its compatibility with different lubricants. By choosing compatible lubricants and following best practices, you can ensure the longevity and performance of plastic components in a variety of applications.
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Synthetic grease
When it comes to lubricating plastics, it is important to choose a grease that is compatible with the specific type of plastic to avoid causing damage. Some traditional lubricants can weaken or degrade plastic parts, so it is crucial to select a plastic-compatible product. Synthetic grease is one option that can be used on plastics, but it is important to consider the potential for incompatibility.
One recommended practice is to perform compatibility testing at high temperatures to simulate accelerated ageing and stressful conditions for the plastic. This involves immersing test samples of the plastic in the synthetic grease for specified durations, such as 24, 48, or 72 hours, or even up to one week. By comparing the test samples with control samples that are not exposed to the grease, you can evaluate any changes in dimensions, weight, or other physical properties. It is important to note that minor changes are considered normal and may not necessarily indicate a serious compatibility issue.
When selecting a synthetic grease for plastics, it is advisable to consult with grease manufacturers and refer to their compatibility charts or guidelines. These charts typically provide information on the compatibility of synthetic base oils with common plastics and elastomers. However, it is important to remember that these charts may not account for all the additives and thickeners present in the grease. Therefore, undertaking compatibility testing, as recommended by some manufacturers, can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the suitability of a particular synthetic grease for your specific plastic application.
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Lubricant compatibility
When selecting a lubricant for plastics, it is important to consider compatibility to avoid destructive effects on the material. Some lubricants, including both mineral and synthetic-based oils, can cause plastics to swell, crack, or discolour over time. This can occur after prolonged exposure to the lubricant, combined with mechanical stress, resulting in irreparable damage.
Silicone grease is a popular choice for lubricating plastics and is considered safe for most common plastics. It is inert towards plastics and elastomers, meaning it does not produce structural variations or changes in colour. Silicone grease is also versatile, making it suitable for use in mixed couplings such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic. Its high viscosity-temperature coefficient and low coefficient of friction make it ideal for devices subject to significant thermal excursions or friction between elastomeric surfaces.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics are the same, and different types of plastics may have varying degrees of solvent resistance. Therefore, it is recommended to perform compatibility testing to ensure the selected lubricant is suitable for the specific plastic. This involves placing samples of the plastic in an oven at high temperatures and fully immersing them in the relevant oil or grease. The test duration can vary, with some sources recommending 24 or 48 hours, while others suggest up to one week. It is important to consider that some changes in weight and dimensions may occur due to heat exposure, but these changes are typically marginal and may not indicate a serious compatibility issue.
Compatibility charts can provide general guidance on lubricant compatibility with plastics, but they may not account for thickeners and additives in the grease. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct compatibility testing, especially when producing a device in large volumes or over an extended period, as raw materials or lubricant formulas may change over time.
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Lubricant performance
The performance of a lubricant is critical to the longevity and functionality of plastic components. Lubricants are used to optimise the performance of production processes and end products in the plastic manufacturing industry. The choice of lubricant depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, the production process, and the specific requirements of the application.
Traditional lubricants can weaken or degrade plastic components over time. Therefore, it is essential to select a lubricant that is compatible with the plastic type. For instance, silicone lubricants are versatile and suitable for most common plastics. They offer advantages in texture, strength, pliability, and special finishes. Silicone lubricants also improve productivity by reducing extruder torque and power consumption while enhancing surface gloss.
Other lubricants, such as mineral oil, SHC (PAO, polybutene), and silicone fluid, are also compatible with most common plastics. However, it is important to consider chemical compatibility and the specific type of plastic being used. For example, esters and PAGs may not be suitable for certain plastics.
The production processes for plastics often involve high heat, pressure, and fast-paced production cycles. These conditions demand the use of specialty lubricants that can protect against abrasion, oxidation, and thermal breakdown. High-performance industrial greases and food-grade lubricants are commonly used in the food industry for applications such as packaging, containers, and drink bottles.
Additionally, certain production equipment, such as gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and vacuum pumps, require reliable lubrication to withstand high heat and extreme loads. Synthetic lubricants, such as Monolec® Syn Industrial Oil, are designed to meet the requirements of these applications and offer enhanced reliability, efficiency, and extended service life.
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Frequently asked questions
Silicone grease is often recommended for use on plastics, as it is inert towards plastics and elastomers and does not produce structural variations. It is also waterproof. Mineral oil, SHC (PAO, polybutene) and silicone fluid are also usually fine with most common plastics.
Regular grease that contains oil should be avoided, as it can cause plastic to swell or soften over time. Esters and PAGs may also be a problem.
Special Plastics Grease is a synthetic grease with excellent compatibility with thermoplastics, including ABS and Polycarbonate. It can be used efficiently as a mechanical lubricant for plastics with themselves and with metals. White lithium grease is another option that can be used on metal and plastic.
Molykote has been recommended for this purpose. It is a synthetic PAO (polyalphaolefin) grease. White lithium grease has also been used without any ill effects.
