Industrial Grease is one of the most essential lubricating materials used to protect machinery, reduce wear, and ensure smooth operation under heavy load or harsh conditions. It acts as a semi-solid lubricant that stays in place even under pressure, forming a barrier against friction, heat, and corrosion. Understanding what industrial grease is made of helps engineers and maintenance professionals select the right product for each application — ensuring reliability, efficiency, and long-term equipment performance.

At INNOSILICONE, we specialize in the development and supply of high-performance industrial greases formulated for demanding environments. Our products are designed to meet the lubrication needs of industries ranging from automotive and construction to Electronics, food processing, and heavy manufacturing. With decades of technical expertise in silicone chemistry and advanced lubrication systems, INNOSILICONE provides solutions that extend equipment life and optimize operational performance.

1. The Basic Composition of Industrial Grease

Industrial grease is essentially a three-component system made up of base oil, thickener, and performance additives. These components are carefully blended to form a semi-solid structure that remains stable across varying temperatures and loads. The precise ratio and quality of these ingredients determine how well the grease performs in industrial applications.

Each of these elements serves a unique purpose:

• Base oil determines viscosity, temperature resistance, and fluidity.

• Thickener acts as a sponge that holds and releases oil during operation.

• Additives fine-tune the grease to resist aging, moisture, and friction.

At INNOSILICONE, our industrial greases are formulated with high-purity silicone oils and advanced thickening systems, combining thermal stability with long-lasting lubrication. This composition ensures reliable performance even in high-speed, high-temperature, or chemically aggressive environments.

2. Base Oils — The Foundation of Lubrication

The base oil is the primary component of industrial grease, typically accounting for 70–90% of the total formulation. It forms the lubricating film that separates moving metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear. The selection of base oil depends on the operational conditions — such as speed, temperature, and exposure to chemicals or water.

Types of Base Oils

1. Mineral Oils:
   Derived from refined petroleum, mineral oils are the most common base for general-purpose greases. They provide good lubrication at moderate temperatures and are cost-effective for most mechanical systems.

2. Synthetic Oils:
   Synthetic base oils — including polyalphaolefin (PAO), ester, and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) — offer superior stability, oxidation resistance, and thermal performance. They remain effective at temperatures ranging from -50°C to +250°C. INNOSILICONE uses synthetic silicone and ester base oils in many of its high-performance greases to ensure consistent performance under both extreme heat and cold.

3. Silicone Oils:
   Silicone-based greases are ideal for applications where long-term stability and chemical resistance are essential. They do not oxidize easily, are compatible with plastics and rubber, and perform exceptionally well in electrical and electronic components.

By carefully selecting the right base oil, INNOSILICONE ensures each grease delivers the optimal balance between lubricity, stability, and compatibility for its intended industrial purpose.

3. Thickeners — The Structural Backbone of Grease

The thickener is what gives grease its semi-solid form and texture. It acts as a stabilizing matrix that holds the base oil in place, allowing it to release gradually during operation. The thickener type largely determines how the grease behaves — its hardness, temperature tolerance, and resistance to mechanical stress.

Common Types of Thickeners

1. Metallic Soap Thickeners:
   These are the most widely used thickeners and include lithium, calcium, sodium, and aluminum soaps.

• Lithium grease: High mechanical stability and water resistance.

• Calcium grease: Excellent corrosion protection but limited high-temperature range.

• Complex soap grease: Improved load-carrying ability and oxidation stability.

• Polyurea grease offers superior oxidation resistance and long service life, ideal for electric motors.

• Clay-based grease is non-melting, making it suitable for extremely high-temperature applications.

The combination of silicone base oil with a high-purity thickener system, as developed by INNOSILICONE, creates greases that resist oxidation and maintain structure under continuous stress — ensuring long-term reliability and low maintenance costs.

4. Additives — Enhancing Performance and Protection

While the base oil and thickener define the structure and primary performance of grease, additives provide the finishing touch — improving the grease’s ability to withstand pressure, oxidation, water, and chemical exposure. Additives typically make up 5–10% of the formulation but have a profound impact on performance.

Key Additives in Industrial Grease

1. Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives:
   Contain sulfur, phosphorus, or molybdenum compounds that form protective layers on metal surfaces. These additives prevent welding and scoring under heavy loads, extending bearing and gear life.

2. Anti-Wear Agents:
   Reduce surface abrasion during startup and boundary lubrication conditions. Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is commonly used for its protective film-forming properties.

3. Antioxidants:
   Prevent grease from hardening or breaking down due to oxygen exposure. INNOSILICONE uses high-temperature stabilizers that maintain chemical integrity in both open and sealed systems.

4. Corrosion and Rust Inhibitors:
   Protect metal parts from oxidation and water attack, especially in humid or marine environments. Silicone-based greases naturally resist corrosion due to their hydrophobic structure.

5. Tackifiers and Adhesion Promoters:
   Improve grease stickiness and prevent it from being flung off moving parts. This ensures long-lasting protection in high-speed rotating systems.

6. Solid Lubricants:
   Some INNOSilicone Greases contain molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) or PTFE particles to provide dry-film lubrication under boundary or shock-loading conditions.

By fine-tuning these additives, INNOSILICONE’s R&D team creates industrial greases that excel in performance under extreme temperature, load, and environmental conditions. Every formulation is optimized for balance — ensuring the grease protects while maintaining flow and texture over time.

5. The Science Behind INNOSILICONE Industrial Greases

At INNOSILICONE, we leverage years of chemical expertise to produce industrial greases that combine traditional lubrication science with advanced silicone technology. Our formulations are engineered to deliver multi-environment performance, ensuring machinery runs smoothly whether exposed to heat, cold, vibration, or corrosive chemicals.

Core Characteristics of INNOSILICONE Industrial Grease

• Temperature Stability: Performs consistently from -50°C to +250°C.

• Chemical Resistance: Withstands solvents, acids, and oxidizing agents.

• Water Repellency: Maintains lubrication even in wet or humid conditions.

• Non-Melting Formula: Ideal for high-speed or vertical applications.

• Long-Term Protection: Extended re-lubrication intervals reduce maintenance costs.

Applications Across Industries

• Automotive and Transport: Bearings, chassis joints, brake systems, and clutch components.

• Electrical and Electronics: Switchgear, connectors, and insulators requiring dielectric stability.

• Industrial Machinery: Gears, pumps, rollers, and hydraulic components.

• Food and Pharmaceutical Equipment: Silicone-based greases suitable for clean and controlled environments.

• Energy and Petrochemical Plants: Resistant to oxidation and aggressive fluids.

Each product in our portfolio is developed with a deep understanding of tribology — the science of friction and wear. By balancing base oil viscosity, thickener type, and additive composition, INNOSILICONE greases deliver precision-engineered lubrication tailored to complex industrial needs.

Our manufacturing facilities employ strict quality control systems compliant with ISO 9001 and REACH standards, ensuring consistent product performance across global markets.

Conclusion

Industrial grease is more than just a lubricant — it’s a complex chemical system engineered to protect, seal, and enhance the performance of mechanical systems under demanding conditions. Composed of a base oil, thickener, and specialized additives, each ingredient plays a vital role in determining its strength, stability, and versatility.

At INNOSILICONE, we combine advanced material science with decades of industry experience to produce high-performance industrial greases that meet the evolving needs of modern industries. Our silicone-based and synthetic formulations provide exceptional durability, temperature resistance, and compatibility with various materials — from metals to plastics and elastomers.