Additive Components

The primary additive components used to formulate greases include:

• Structure modifiers, which alter grease thickness
• Oxidation inhibitors, which provide rust and corrosion resistance to greases exposed to high temperatures and/or water contamination
• Extreme pressure agents (sometimes known as anti-wear agents), which enable greases and equipment to resist extreme heat and extreme pressure
• Metal deactivators, which reduce metal reactivity in order to protect metal surfaces from degradation
• Viscosity modifiers, which improve the flexibility of grease formulation

A variety of chemistries can be used to develop each of these component categories, with technology selection guided by a thorough evaluation of selection consideration factors. In addition, there are many sub-categories of performance enhancement within each broad category, for example: pour point depressants, antifoam agents, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tackiness agents, solid additives and friction modifiers.