Grey grease is sometimes called graphite grease or assembly paste. It stands out in the lubricant industry for its distinctive colour and specialised applications.
The grey appearance comes from graphite particles, which provide dry lubrication properties even when the base oil of the lubricant has been depleted or exposed to extreme temperatures.
This article will look at the composition and characteristics of grey grease, as well as its benefits for different applications.
Composition and characteristics
Grey grease’s composition typically includes a mineral or synthetic base oil that is combined with a thickener of calcium, lithium or aluminum. There is also a percentage of graphite particles.
The result of this composition is a lubricant with exceptional high-temperature stability. Grey grease can function effectively at temperatures of 270 °C; at this temperature, conventional greases would quickly oxidise and fail.
The graphite component gives the grease a low-friction layer that remains effective even when the base oil has evaporated or broken down. In extreme operating conditions, this is an important safety margin.
Grey grease for assembly applications
Grey grease is an ideal assembly lubricant for components that will experience extreme heat or infrequent service.
Exhaust system bolts, brake calliper slides and manifold studs benefit from grey grease application during assembly. As touched upon, its graphite provides continued lubrication after the base oil has been depleted by high temperatures. This characteristic helps prevent fasteners from seizing and makes future disassembly significantly easier.
High temperature industrial uses
Industrial facilities with high-temperature applications rely heavily on grey grease for critical lubrication points.
From kiln car bearings in ceramic manufacturing to oven chain lubrication in food processing, and conveyor systems in metal heat-treating operations; all benefit from grey grease’s ability to maintain its lubricity at higher temperatures.
The continued protection provided by grey grease is ideal for high-value, high-technology industrial equipment components under extreme thermal stress.
Open gear and chain applications
Grey grease comes into its own for exposed chain applications, in which retention of the lubricant on the component surface is essential.
The tacky consistency of grey grease means it adheres to vertical surfaces, while the graphite provides lasting lubrication as the grease is worked between meshing gear teeth.
Choosing the right lubricant type
Grey grease is a suitable lubricant in the areas discussed above, as well as other high-temperature uses such as electrical contact applications.
When choosing high-performance lubricants from manufacturers such as Aeroshell and Petronas, technicians should be sure to choose the appropriate lubricant type required by the specific application.
