Study the Sensitivity of Solid Lubricating Additives to Attapulgite Clay Base Grease

The focus of this study was the development of a new lubricating grease, using surface-modified attapulgite clay as thickener and synthetic oil (PAO 40) as the base oil. The tribological sensitivity of the new grease was investigated by studying the effect of adding three solid additives KB₃O₅, MoS₂, graphite and a graphite/MoS₂ mixture (mass ratio 3:2)]. Its tribological behavior was compared with that of traditional bentone grease by adding MoS₂. The dropping point and the cone penetration of the new grease were also investigated and analyzed. The wear scar diameter of the base grease was measured on an MRS-1 J (G) four-ball tester, and the tribological sensitivity of solid lubricating additives to attapulgite clay base grease was evaluated using an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. The addition of MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture to the new lubricating grease improved its friction-reducing ability, while the addition of KB₃O₅ improved its antiwear ability. The additives MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture also increased the load-carrying capacity of the base grease. The attapulgite clay grease containing MoS₂ had a better friction-reducing ability than the traditional bentone grease containing MoS_2.