A lubricant is a liquid substance used between two surfaces in close contact. It is applied to lessen the friction between the surfaces to reduce the possibility of wear and becoming more efficient. Lubricity is the ability of a lubricant to reduce friction between two surfaces. Special formulations of certain lubricants will dissolve debris as well as transfer heat. These lubricants are used in many conditions, equipment configurations and processes. It is important to understand the additional properties that lubricating oil can have in order to fully appreciate its uses and how it can be applied.

Heat resistant

When two objects rub against one another, friction is created and, consequently, heat results from the friction. Due to that natural reaction, it is critical that the lubricating oil remains chemically stable despite exposure to heat during industrial operations. Otherwise, if lubricating oil is not heat-resistant, oxygen can easily mix with the oil and unwanted compounds may result. Carboxylic acid is one such resulting compound that can erode and cause significant damage to various metal surfaces. Heat resistance is a property of lubricating oil that allows it to be used for preventing thermal breakdowns and failure.

Cohesiveness

A fluids property that aids in resistance in regards to slippage within its components is referred to as viscosity. Usually, if lubricating oil is exposed to increasing heat, its viscosity goes away. The property is constructed in a unique way in which the lubricating oil's viscosity range will stay in a safe area even if there were to be changing temperatures and unknown environmental effects. The viscosity of the lubricating oil is used to determine the thickness of oil in between metal components during reciprocal motion.

Corrosion-control ability

Specially formulated lubricants will usually contain detergents which will slow the formation of oxidants and corrosive deposits. The property of lubricant oil to control corrosion is a fundamental objective of lubricant formulation. It can create protective seals around different surfaces that can stop corrosive damage because of its resistance.

Oxidation stability

A defining feature of most specialty lubricants is their ability to decrease oxidation rates. Many powerful lubricant oils sold commercially are especially formulated to withstand the oxidation process. Turbine oils and synthetic lubricating oil are included in the examples of these.

Water-handling

When the environment or condition is considered static, it is essential that oil lubrication occurs to get rid of water. When lubricant oil has a decreased water-handling capacity, it could be a sign of diminishing or faltering effectiveness of the oil's other properties; there is also a risk that emulsions can form.

Lubricants are important to many different businesses and industries. The various properties of this substance can make a significant contribution to the operations in which they are applied.