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UCY ENERGY supplies lybricants
physically
A lubricant (sometimes referred to as "lube")
is a substance (often a liquid) introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce
the friction between them, improving efficiency and reducing wear. They may also
have the function of dissolving or transporting foreign particles and of
distributing heat.
One of the single largest applications for lubricants, in the form of motor oil,
is to protect the internal combustion engines in motor vehicles and powered
equipment.
Typically lubricants contain 90% base oil (most often petroleum fractions,
called mineral oils) and less than 10% additives. Vegetable oils or synthetic
liquids such as hydrogenated polyolefins, esters, silicones, fluorocarbons and
many others are sometimes used as base oils. Additives deliver reduced friction
and wear, increased viscosity, improved viscosity index, resistance to corrosion
and oxidation, aging or contamination, etc.
Lubricants such as 2-cycle oil are also added to some fuels. Sulfur impurities
in fuels also provide some lubrication properties, which has to be taken in
account when switching to a low-sulfur diesel; biodiesel is a popular diesel
fuel additive providing additional lubricity.
Non-liquid lubricants include grease, powders (dry graphite, PTFE, Molybdenum
disulfide, tungsten disulfide, etc.), teflon tape used in plumbing, air cushion
and others. Dry lubricants such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide and tungsten
disulfide also offer lubrication at temperatures (up to 350 °C) higher than
liquid and oil-based lubricants are able to operate. Limited interest has been
shown in low friction properties of compacted oxide glaze layers formed at
several hundred degrees Celsius in metallic sliding systems, however, practical
use is still many years away due to their physically unstable nature.
Another approach to reducing friction and wear is to use bearings such as ball
bearings, roller bearings or air bearings, which in turn require internal
lubrication themselves, or to use sound, in the case of acoustic lubrication.
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