What Is Molykote Grease?
Molykote grease is a high-performance specialty lubricant designed to deliver long-term protection, reduce friction, and enhance the durability of mechanical components under extreme conditions. Known globally as one of DuPont’s premium lubrication technologies, Molykote products are widely used in industrial, automotive, and electronic manufacturing sectors. These greases are engineered to perform reliably in environments where ordinary lubricants fail — including high temperatures, heavy loads, and chemically aggressive atmospheres.
At INNOSILICONE, we are proud to be an authorized partner and distributor of Molykote products, supplying advanced lubricants to customers across diverse industries. Our extensive range of Molykote solutions — available at INNOSILICONE — includes anti-friction Coatings, compounds, and greases suitable for high-stress environments. With over two decades of expertise in silicone and specialty chemical solutions, INNOSILICONE helps customers select and apply the right Molykote grease to achieve optimal mechanical performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Molykote Grease
Molykote grease is a specialty lubricant formulated with high-grade base oils, thickening agents, and solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or lithium complex. It is designed to provide a stable lubrication film between moving surfaces, significantly reducing wear and extending the lifespan of mechanical parts.
Developed by DuPont, the Molykote brand represents decades of scientific innovation in surface engineering and lubrication chemistry. Unlike conventional greases, which may degrade under heavy load or thermal stress, Molykote greases maintain structural integrity across a broad temperature range — often from -50°C up to +200°C or higher, depending on the formulation.
Key Properties
Exceptional load-carrying capacity — prevents metal-to-metal contact under pressure.
Wide temperature resistance — ensures consistent performance from sub-zero cold starts to hot running conditions.
Chemical and oxidation stability — resists breakdown even in chemically aggressive or humid environments.
Low evaporation loss — suitable for long-term or sealed applications.
Enhanced friction reduction — improves energy efficiency and mechanical precision.
Molykote greases are used in industries such as automotive assembly, Electronics manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and food processing, where reliability and performance are critical.
INNOSILICONE provides an extensive lineup of Molykote lubricants tailored for these needs, ensuring that every client can find a grease designed for their specific temperature, load, and material compatibility requirements.
2. Types and Classifications of Molykote Grease
Molykote greases are classified according to their composition and performance characteristics, allowing engineers to select products based on the application’s mechanical and environmental conditions. The most common categories include multi-purpose greases, high-temperature greases, extreme-pressure greases, and specialty greases for unique industrial applications.
| Type | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Purpose Grease | Designed for general machinery; provides balanced protection against wear and corrosion. | Bearings, joints, and hinges in industrial equipment. |
| High-Temperature Grease | Formulated with synthetic oils and thickening agents for stability at elevated temperatures. | Electric motors, ovens, and automotive components near engines. |
| Extreme-Pressure (EP) Grease | Contains solid lubricants like MoS₂ for heavy loads and shock conditions. | Construction equipment, gears, and rolling mills. |
| Low-Temperature Grease | Maintains lubrication in freezing or arctic environments. | Aerospace components, cold storage, and outdoor machinery. |
| Specialty Grease | Tailored for chemical resistance, dielectric insulation, or food-grade compliance. | Semiconductor manufacturing, valve assemblies, food processing lines. |
INNOSILICONE supplies a full range of Molykote greases covering all these categories. Popular products include:
Molykote BR2 Plus – EP grease with MoS₂ for heavy-duty bearings.
Molykote 33 Medium – silicone-based grease for low temperatures down to -70°C.
Molykote G-4500 – NSF H1 food-grade grease for cleanroom and food machinery.
Molykote 111 Compound – widely used for valve sealing and electrical insulation.
Each formulation is designed for specific tribological challenges, whether reducing friction in precision instruments or protecting high-load machinery in industrial operations.
3. Technical Composition and Working Mechanism
The superior performance of Molykote greases lies in their advanced formulation, which combines high-quality base fluids, specialized thickening agents, and solid lubricant additives. Each component contributes to stability and effectiveness under mechanical stress.
Composition Overview
| Component | Function | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base Oil | Determines temperature and viscosity behavior. | Synthetic ester, PAO, or silicone oils. |
| Thickener | Provides consistency and structure. | Lithium complex, PTFE, or bentonite clay. |
| Solid Lubricants | Reduce friction and wear in boundary conditions. | Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), graphite, PTFE. |
| Additives | Enhance protection and oxidation resistance. | Anti-corrosion, anti-oxidant, and EP additives. |
Working Principle
When applied to mechanical contact areas, Molykote grease forms a protective film that adheres to metal or polymer surfaces. This film prevents direct contact between moving parts, minimizing friction and preventing micro-welding or abrasion. Solid lubricants like MoS₂ act as microscopic layers that slide smoothly under pressure, maintaining lubrication even if the oil film temporarily breaks down.
Performance Metrics
Temperature range: -50°C to +250°C (varies by product).
Base oil viscosity: 50–500 cSt at 40°C.
Drop point: >250°C for high-temperature formulations.
Load-bearing capacity: >3,000 N in four-ball wear tests.
Corrosion resistance: Excellent, even under salt spray exposure.
The scientific balance of these components gives Molykote grease its reputation for outstanding thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability.
INNOSILICONE’s technical team works closely with clients to match specific product properties to application conditions, ensuring that the chosen Molykote grease delivers maximum lifespan and reliability.
4. Industrial Applications of Molykote Grease
Molykote greases are trusted across industries for their ability to provide consistent lubrication under harsh and complex operating conditions. Their versatility extends from heavy-duty machinery to precision instruments.
Automotive Industry
Molykote grease is widely used in bearings, steering systems, window regulators, and electric motors. It provides noise reduction, vibration damping, and temperature resilience. Products like Molykote BR2 Plus are ideal for wheel bearings and suspension components exposed to shock loads.
Electronics and Electrical Systems
In sensitive electronics, Molykote greases provide dielectric insulation and corrosion protection. Formulations such as Molykote 44 Medium and Molykote 111 are often used for connectors, switches, and valve seals due to their low volatility and compatibility with plastics and elastomers.
Industrial Machinery
Manufacturing plants use Molykote greases to reduce wear in gearboxes, conveyor systems, pumps, and robotic actuators. Their high load-bearing capacity and chemical resistance minimize downtime and extend maintenance intervals.
Aerospace and Defense
Aerospace components demand lubricants that perform under extreme temperatures, pressure, and vacuum. Molykote greases, particularly silicone-based types, provide reliable lubrication for actuators, bearings, and sealing elements in high-altitude and low-pressure environments.
Food and Medical Equipment
For food-grade and cleanroom applications, NSF H1-certified Molykote greases such as G-4500 ensure safe operation without contamination. These are used in mixers, valves, filling systems, and sterile production lines, providing excellent oxidative and microbial stability.
At INNOSILICONE, we supply these specialized Molykote greases to customers in diverse sectors, offering both technical guidance and after-sales support. Our partnership ensures that each client benefits from the latest innovations in lubrication technology backed by DuPont’s research expertise.
5. Advantages of Choosing INNOSILICONE as Your Molykote Partner
As an authorized distributor of Molykote products, INNOSILICONE not only supplies lubricants but also delivers customized technical solutions that help customers improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
Why Choose INNOSILICONE
Official Authorization:
We are recognized by DuPont as an authorized Molykote partner, ensuring that every product we deliver is genuine and sourced directly from verified production channels.Technical Expertise:
Our team combines decades of experience in silicone chemistry and industrial lubrication. We assist clients in selecting the correct Molykote formulation based on load, speed, temperature, and environmental conditions.Comprehensive Product Range:
From high-temperature greases to dielectric compounds and anti-friction coatings, INNOSILICONE provides the full Molykote portfolio to serve diverse industrial sectors.Quality Assurance:
Each product undergoes strict inspection to ensure compliance with performance standards such as ISO 9001 and REACH. We guarantee stable quality, reliable supply, and traceable documentation.Application Support:
Our engineers work alongside customers to optimize grease application methods — from manual greasing and automated dispensers to precision filling systems — ensuring consistent results and reduced waste.
By partnering with INNOSILICONE, clients gain access to not only superior Molykote products but also the knowledge and support necessary to integrate lubrication efficiency into their production systems.
Conclusion
Molykote grease represents the pinnacle of advanced lubrication technology — a solution that merges science and engineering to provide durability, efficiency, and protection under the most demanding conditions. From high-speed bearings to chemically aggressive environments, these greases ensure long-term stability and superior performance.
At INNOSILICONE, we proudly serve as a trusted partner for industries that depend on precision lubrication. With our deep technical knowledge and direct access to DuPont’s Molykote product line, we deliver both the materials and expertise needed to help our customers achieve peak operational performance.
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