Urea-Based Grease with Amide Network for Wear Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grease compositions, particularly those using urea-based thickeners, exhibit insufficient lubricity and wear resistance, especially under high-temperature conditions over long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A grease composition is developed by heating and melting an amide compound in the presence of a lubricant base oil to form a three-dimensional network structure, enhancing wear resistance and maintaining performance under high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an amide compound is merely dispersed and mixed into grease, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the wear resistance is insufficient and deteriorates at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the amide compound from solid powder to molten state by heating to its melting point or higher. This parameter change enables the amide to form a three-dimensional network structure that entraps base oil, significantly improving wear resistance and high-temperature stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a controlled heating process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where the amide compound forms a three-dimensional network framework that entraps base oil molecules. This composite architecture combines the structural benefits of the amide network with the lubricating properties of the base oil, achieving superior wear resistance and thermal stability compared to simple mixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If a grease composition uses conventional additives, then the formulation is simple, but lubricity and wear resistance are insufficient under high-load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation complexityVSAvoidlubricity and wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the amide compound from a simple additive dispersed in grease to a structurally active component by heating it to its melting point. This parameter change enables the amide to self-organize into a three-dimensional network structure that actively provides lubricity and wear protection under high-load conditions, enhancing reliability without complicating the formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If grease is used for long-term high-temperature operation, then the service life is extended, but wear resistance deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by heating the amide compound to its melting point during the grease formulation process, creating a pre-formed three-dimensional network structure before the grease is put into service. This preliminary structuring ensures that the grease maintains its wear resistance properties throughout long-term high-temperature operation, preventing the typical deterioration that occurs over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a thermally stable composite structure where the amide-based three-dimensional network entraps base oil in a configuration that resists thermal degradation. This composite architecture maintains its integrity during long-term high-temperature service, preserving wear resistance properties that would otherwise deteriorate with extended use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The grease composition demonstrates excellent water resistance, mechanical stability, and heat resistance, with significantly improved wear resistance and minimal deterioration over time, even at high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

heating and melting an amide compound in the presence of a lubricant base oil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

forms a three-dimensional network structure of the amide holding the lubricant base oil therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNetwork structure formation: Gel

Data Source

PatentEP2824167B1Grease composition
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORP

AI summary

Provided is a grease composition that has high lubricity, particularly excellent wear resistance, and shows only a small extent of deterioration in wear resistance with long-term use under high temperatures. The grease composition comprises at least one base oil selected from a mineral oil-based lubricant base oil and a synthetic lubricant base oil, an amide compound, a solid lubricant, and a urea-based thickener, wherein the amide compound is heated and melted at least once with the base oil.