Joining forces to find what impact the base oil solvency and viscosity has on the performance of polyurea greases, researchers from Nynas and Brugarolas made some unexpected but useful discoveries.
“Polyurea greases are of growing interest, especially for high performance applications, which is why we wanted to investigate how some characteristics of the base oil might influence the performance of such greases,” explains Mehdi Fathi-Najafi, Chief Specialist at Nynas.
However, polyurea greases are formed in a controlled reaction between amines and isocyanates, and the use of these toxic ingredients is strictly limited. Handling them in Nynas’ own experimental grease lab is not allowed.
Instead, Mehdi Fathi-Najafi approached Leandre Muntada, R&D Manager at Brugarolas, the Spanish industrial lubrication specialist and producer of polyurea greases.
“I immediately thought it sounded like an interesting project, as not much research has been conducted in this area. And, because I know that Nynas and Mehdi Fathi-Najafi are very capable and produce high-class research,” says Leandre Muntada.
“Polyurea greases have been produced by Brugarolas since 1995, and they are of strategic importance, enabling us to reach niche markets,” he explains.
Unique properties, such as a high degree of water resistance, high temperature, long life, and low noise, make polyurea greases useful for several advanced and challenging applications. In 2023, such greases represented only about seven percent of the global grease production. However, production volumes are growing, particularly for very fast-growing applications such as electric vehicles and electric motors.
The Nynas-Brugarolas research partnership resulted in an extensive study presented at the 2024 ELGI annual general meeting in Madrid.
“The study generated a lot of interest at the conference, and our findings will prove useful not only for us, but for the industry in general. We are also looking forward to continuing our research cooperation with Nynas,” says Leandre Muntada.
