The most basic definition of a lubricant is a substance introduced between two surfaces to improve efficiency of movement and wear by reducing the friction between them. It is important to reduce friction, because that leads to wasted power which could otherwise be used to enhance the performance of the equipment or machinery. Lubricants also function to dissolve foreign particles that might interfere in the functioning of moving parts.
The three main types of lubricants are petroleum-based, silicone-based, and water-based lubricants. When choosing which types to use, it is important that you do not choose lubricants that dissolve the working surfaces they are meant to protect. For example, Vaseline is a lubricant, but it dissolves other petroleum products such as rubber and plastic, thus defeating the purpose of using it on those items. Another usage of lubricants is to carry away dirt and debris, thus ensuring a smooth operating surface.
Lubricants most often come in liquid form and contain 90% base oil. Base oils in lubricants are usually made up of mineral oils, but are sometimes made up of other oils such as vegetable oils or synthetic oils like polyolefins, esters, silicone, ionic fluids, and fluorocarbons. Additives in lubricants serve the purpose of reducing friction and wear, increasing viscosity, resisting corrosion, and providing proof against contamination. Other lubricants include water and lanolin.
Liquid lubricants are used in many practical applications, especially in the automotive industry. For example, they are used in engine oil, gearbox fluids, brake fluids, and automatic transmission fluids to prevent loss of power due to friction. Lubricants act as barriers between moving parts in internal combustion engines and carry heat away from those same moving parts to ensure high performance and long life.
Lubricants come in non-liquid and dry form as well. Non-liquid lubricants include substances such as greases, powders, and Teflon. These are often used in tapes, or in the case of Teflon, even to coat non-stick cooking utensils. Dry lubricants include graphite, molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide, and are used to keep offer lubrication at temperatures higher than liquid lubricants are able to function.
Because lubricants can contaminate the natural environment, there are usually strict regulations for their disposal. They can be especially harmful to waterways, which has lead to increasingly strict regulations by many governments on use, disposal, and the amount of lubricants allowed to be released into waterways. Because of this regulation, companies that use lubricants have developed strict filtration systems and testing in order to be sure they preserve the environment.
