lubricant
Sign in to savethumb|right|Motor oil, a common lubricant A lubricant (sometimes shortened to lube) is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity.
Article
31 sectionsContents
- History
- Properties
- Formulation
- Additives
- Mineral oil
- Synthetic oils
- Solid lubricants
- Aqueous lubrication
- Biolubricant
- Greases
- Radiation effects
- Functions
- Lubricant vs. anti-tack coating
- Keep moving parts apart
- Reduce friction
- Transfer heat
- Carry away contaminants and debris
- Transmit power
- Protect against wear
- Prevent corrosion and rusting
- Seal for gases
- Fluid types
- "Glaze" formation (high-temperature wear)
- Disposal and environmental impact
- Societies and industry bodies
- Major publications
- See also
- References
- Notes
- Sources
- External links
thumb|right|Motor oil, a common lubricant A lubricant (sometimes shortened to lube) is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity.
In addition to industrial applications, lubricants are used for many other purposes. Other uses include cooking (oils and fats in use in frying pans and baking to prevent food sticking), to reduce rusting and friction in machinery, through the use of motor oil and grease, bioapplications on humans (e.g., lubricants for artificial joints), ultrasound examination, medical examination, and sexual intercourse. It is mainly used to reduce friction and to contribute to a better, more efficient functioning of a mechanism.