Did you know that tackiness agents, or tackifiers, are essential in ensuring lubricants stay exactly where they’re needed, even in challenging conditions? In high-speed or high-load machinery, they keep lubricants firmly in place, preventing displacement and ensuring consistent lubrication across critical surfaces.
How do they work? Tackiness agents add a “stringiness” to lubricants, enhancing adhesion to metal surfaces and resisting centrifugal forces. This is particularly valuable in rotating equipment, where even a momentary loss of lubrication can lead to increased friction and wear. Tackifiers come in various forms, including Polyisobutylene (PIB) and resins like alkylphenol formaldehyde, each suited to different applications: PIB provides flexibility and withstands temperatures up to around 80°C, while resins are ideal for rubber bonding and high-wear conditions.
Key benefits of tackiness agents:
Lubricant Retention: Tackifiers prevent “sling-off,” maintaining a consistent lubricating film.
Wear Reduction: By minimising metal-to-metal contact, tackifiers extend equipment life.
Versatile Options: Custom formulations allow flexibility for temperature, adhesion, and specific material requirements.
Cost and Environmental Efficiency: Reduced lubricant loss means less waste and aligns with sustainability goals.
At Valorem Chemicals, we offer high-quality tackifiers that enhance the reliability and efficiency of your lubrication systems. Reach out to discover how our solutions can optimise your machinery’s performance.