What is a solid Lubricant?

Just like states of matter, there are various different types of lubricant. Solid lubricants refer to a material which is used (often as a powder, or thin film) to reduce the wear of contacting surfaces and providing protection from damage. The solid lubricant creates a permanent boundary between moving parts. This, therefore, prevents direct contact between two surfaces, almost eradicating start up friction.

How do solid lubricants work?

A solid lubricant can “shape” to a particular form between two surfaces. It has micropores that contain oil and the oil is released as the mechanism operates. The pores will then reabsorb the oil when the mechanism is paused. This then creates a permanent boundary, or layer, between moving parts.
A solid lubricant is ideal for complex applications and when a mechanism may be subject to harsh conditions. Their lamellar structure prevents direct contact between two surfaces to stop them coming into contact with one another.

When are solid lubricants used?

Solid lubricants may be especially useful in harsher or extreme conditions, such as in higher temperatures and oxidizing atmospheres where liquid lubricants may not be able to survive or perform optimally.
Solid lubricants are also ideal for usage in a reciprocating motion. Reciprocating or sliding motions need lubrication that minimize wear. For example, with chain and gear lubrication, liquid lubricants will escape, whereas solid lubricants will not.

Certain surfaces, like polymers and ceramics don’t have suitable, chemically active lubricants and in these cases solid lubricants are useful too.
As solid lubricants create a permanent boundary, they come in handy when it comes to maintenance. Solid lubricants have the capability to prevent contamination from dirt and dust in a way that liquid lubricants do not. Therefore, solid lubricants should help to increase bearing longevity and reduce the frequency of mechanism maintenance.

Examples of solid lubricants

Some key examples of solid lubricants are graphite and molybdenum disulphide. Solid lubricants can come in a variety of products, and usually come in the form of:

- Powders
- Suspensions and dispersion
- Greases and grease pastes
- Pastes
- Dry-film lubricants


Our ranges of solid lubricants

At Eco-Point, we stock a range of high performing solid lubricants for a variety of applications.
The Duron Foodmaster Clear 2 EP43 is a clear, synthetic food safe grease, suitable for use on plastic bearings, runners and sliders. It’s water resistant hydrophobic base and saltwater resistance makes it especially suitable for high humidity environments.

For more heavy-duty applications, Duron Aquashield EP38 offers lubrication for bearings subjected to high load and extreme water contact, with excellent mechanical stability, oxidation stability and sealing. It can be used for bearings, friction plates, surface protection and more.

For advice on which solid lubricant would work best for your applications, just give us a call on +44(0)14 9479 2803 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, fill out a contact form and our team will get back in touch!