INVESTIGATION OF TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER GREASE MANUFACTURED FROM POLY ALPHA OLEFIN WITH BORON NITRIDE

Abstract

Greases are a type of lubricant that has higher viscosity. Manufacturing greases are conducted by mixing base oils with calcium, sodium, or lithium mineral salts. Manufacturing process is complex and changes in parameters results significant change in Grease properties. The increase in mineral salts costs and their effect on nature caused researchers to look for alternative materials that can replace mineral salts. A novel method for manufacturing grease is to use polymers as thickener agents. In this study, 12% polypropylene was used to produce grease from poly alpha olefin. In order to increase grease’s high-pressure properties, 2% hexagonal boron nitride was added. Manufactured grease was compared to lithium grease with hexagonal boron nitride addition. Both samples were tested on ball-on-disc tribometer on mirror polished 4140 and results were discussed.