Rheological and Tribological Characterization of Completely Biogenic Grease

Abstract

Grease plays a major and a vital role in lubrication of bearings and also acts as an effective sealant. In the current situation, depletion of mineral oils and its adverse effects on environment demand a cleaner, cheaper, and a reliable source for grease. The biodegradable grease which is prepared from various biodegradable raw materials is being developed and tested for its usage in lubrication. Various bio-grease has been developed using bio-oils like castor and palm and many more oils and metallic soaps as thickeners. The research for completely bio-grease is going on. Sorbitan monostearate currently used extensively in cosmetic and food industry is used as thickener along with various base oils, to obtain an edible grease. The grease has been extensively used in bearings both as lubricant and a sealant, being a shear thinning fluid it is very much important to take a note of shear thinning rate of the grease. This work emphasizes on preparation of biogenic grease, rheological characterization of the prepared greases for shear thinning behavior.