Solid Lubricant

There are many types of solid lubricant, but the following contribute the majority of them in industrial or daily use:


1) Teflon or PTFE - Teflon or PTFE is typically used as a coating layer on, for example, cooking utensils to provide a non-stick surface. Its usable temperature range up to 350°C and chemical inertness make it a useful additive in special greases. Under extreme pressures, teflon powder or solids is of little value as it is soft and flows away from the area of contact.

2) Graphite - Used in air compressors, foodstuff industry, railway track joints, open gear, ball bearings, machine-shop works etc. It is also very common for lubricating locks, since a liquid lubricant allows particles to get stuck in the lock worsening the problem.

3) Molybdenum disulfide - Molybdenum disulfide is an inorganic compound with the formula MoS2. MoS2 with particle sizes in the range of 1-100 µm is a common dry lubricant. Few alternatives exist that can confer the high lubricity and stability up to 350 °C in oxidizing environments. Sliding friction tests of MoS2 using a pin on disc tester at low loads (0.1-2 N) give friction coefficient values of <0.1.

4) Metal/alloy - Metal alloys, composites and pure metals can be used as grease additives or the sole constituents of sliding surfaces and bearings.