Lubricants are primarily used to reduce friction and minimize wear between moving or contacting surfaces in machinery and equipment[2]. Their functions span a wide range of industries and applications, encompassing multiple forms such as oils, greases, and specialized fluids[2].
Main purposes and applications of lubricants include:
- Decreasing friction between surfaces, ensuring smoother motion and reduced heat generation[1].
- Preventing wear, thus extending the lifespan of components like bearings, gears, and engines[2].
- Protecting against rust and corrosion, especially in adverse or moist environments[1].
- Acting as sealing agents to prevent contaminants from entering sensitive parts[4].
- Functioning as coolants or heat transfer agents in processes where removing excess heat is critical (e.g., cutting fluids in machining)[1].
- Serving as hydraulic fluids to transmit power in hydraulic systems[2].
- Suppressing oxidation and foaming in various industrial and automotive systems[1].
- Providing electrical insulation in specialized contexts like transformers and switchgear[3].
- Serving specialized functions in food processing (food-grade lubricants), medical use (certain liquid lubricants), and electrical vehicles (specialty dielectric fluids)[5][6].
In addition to these industrial and mechanical uses, lubricants are also found in everyday products, such as oils and fats in cooking, and specialized applications like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics[5].
References
- [1] Applications of Lubricants – GlobalSpec
- [2] Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Lubricants
- [3] Lubrication | Types, Benefits & Applications – Britannica
- [4] A Quick Guide to Industrial Lubricants – Allegheny Petroleum
- [5] Lubricant – Wikipedia
- [6] Lubricant Applications | Bioindustrial – Cargill
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