MOLYKOTE® 101 - Compounds Explained Details - Molykote Lubricants by DuPont

Compound Lubricants 101

The MOLYKOTE^® portfolio of compounds provides a broad selection of specialty, high-performance solutions for a variety of equipment types & industrial processes requiring seal performance & lubrication. Learn the secrets and the what, where, why and how of proper compound lubricants selection.

MOLYKOTE^®101 Webinar - Compounds

What is a Compound Lubricant?

Compound lubricants are unique, versatile solutions for lubrication & protection where a conventional grease either does not or cannot work. The basic number of ingredients between a grease and a compound is the same, however the chemical composition of those ingredients varies enough to make them behave differently. The basic make up of any grease or compound consist of a lubricating base oil, thickener system, and a range of specialty additives to enhance and tailor performance for a particular application.

Typical
Lubricant Composition

Typical Grease Formula

Base Oil: 65% - 90%

Thickener: 10% - 30%

Additives: 0% - 10%

Typical Compound Composition

Base Oil: 65% (Always Si fluids)

Thickener: 30% (typically Silica)

Additives: 0% - 3%

How to Choose Between a Grease and a Compound Lubricant?

If the chemical composition between a compound and a grease are so similar, how can you be sure you select the right solution for your piece of equipment? Here's a quick cheat sheet to help highlight the benefits of both lubricant types.

Grease Benefits

Seals the lubricating point (no dirt)
Long lasting lubrication (stays at lubricating point, no migration)
Pack lubrication in grease reservoirs
Open lubrication points (gears)
Noise reducing or dampening

Compound Benefits

Good Thermal & Oxidative Stability
Wide temperature range (-40°C to 200°C)
Excellent resistance to water
Compatible with common plastics & elastomers
Low volatility & vapor pressure

When to use a MOLYKOTE® Compound?

There are many applications where a MOLYKOTE® Compound can deliver extended term performance and protection - but there are a few applications in which they are not well suited. It's important to run through a few key parameters for where and how you plan to use the silicone compound lubricant.
Load, Environment, Temperature, and Speed - or LETS for short - the major parameters to keep in mind are listed below:

Equipment Parameters

Machine Element
Operational Load
Temperatures (high & low)
Velocity of friction or movements

Expected Life or Run-time
Used Material
Compatibility with environment
Regulatory concerns (food-safe)

Applications for MOLYKOTE® Compounds

The MOLYKOTE® Compounds are ideal solutions in a wide range of specialty equipment and applications where moisture or electricity is involved. The MOLYKOTE® lubricants can deliver exceptional performance in applications including:

Moisture resistant barrier on electrical plugs or equipment
Dielectric insulator or lubricant on high current switches
Release agent for both plastic & metal surfaces
Mold treatment for release
O-ring & valve lubricant at ambient or high temperature
Vacuum & pressure system sealant (HVG)
Applications with NSF, FDA, or USDA requirements like NSF 61

It's important to keep in mind that the MOLYKOTE® compounds should not be used in metal-on-metal lubrication or in applications where a silicone rubber is present, as the silicone in the compound can cause the elastomer to swell. In this instances, a MOLYKOTE® grease is a better solution.

View the Full MOLYKOTE® Compounds Portfolio ►

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MOLYKOTE® 101 - Compounds Explained

Compound Lubricants 101

MOLYKOTE® 101 Webinar - Compounds