OPTIMIZATION OF CLINOPTILOLITE TYPE ZEOLITE PARTICLE SIZES ON DIFFERENT NLGI GRADE LITHIUM SOAP GREASE FORMULATIONS

Abstract

Particle sizes of zeolites vary according to usage areas and needs. Zeolite ratios for required performance characteristics of lithium soap greases have been optimized in our previous study as 1%. In this study, we have been examined improvement of water resistance characteristic performance with using different size zeolites like: 10 µm, 40 µm, 100 µm and 700 µm. Three different NLGI grades lithium soaps have been used as: 00, 2 and 3. The zeolite size that showed highest water resistance performance was selected. Additionally, we have been reported that zeolites have been deteriorate extreme pressure performance characteristics of greases. Because of this reason we have been also studied with a commercial extreme pressure additive to increase load resistance performances of grease formulations. Appropriate size of zeolites type with optimized ratio used in studied formulations. And performance characteristics like: appearance, penetration, dropping point, NLGI no, wear scar, weld load, water spray and water washout have been reported.