Silicone Free Lubricant good as Dow Corning 200 4

[rjung]

My company has been using Dow Corning 200 (Silicone based)as an assembly lubricant between a SBR rubber coated disc and an epoxy coated body for a long time (nearly 20 years). I have been charged with finding a silicone free replacement. The parts have an interference fit so finding something that drops the friction "very low" like the D-C 200 is important. The last attempt was with glycerine and was not well recieved (but I do not know why).
FYI-Silicone free is normally a requirement for vendor to the auto industry ("fisheyes" in the paint), our customers do not require it-we are trying to stay ahead of the curve. Doing intenet searches is not yielding much (same with existing suppliers)which surprises me-I would think that a vendor would brag of such a accomplishment.

 

[btrueblood]

What was wrong with glycerin? Fungus nutrient?

Try propylene glycol, although it may be a nutrient too.

Soap & water?

 

[unclesyd]

I would give the people at Nye Lubricants a call. They have a very diversified line of specialty lubricants. There technical people have always been very helpful

http://www.nyelubricants.com/

 

[aspearin1]

Glycerine is extremely hygroscopic, and will eventually absorb as much as 40% water (I believe) just from humidity. This could affect the performance. In addition, as btrueblood adds, it's a simple enough hydrocarbon to be food source for microcritters.

Aaron A. Spearin
ASQ CSSBB
Engineering Six-S'$

http://www.Engineering6ss.com

"The only constant in life is change." -Bruce Lee

 

[btrueblood]

Watch out for substituting a hydrocarbon grease or oil, these will tend to attack SBR much more than the silicone grease/oil will.

 

[coatingengineer]

Hi,

You may want to contact Miller-Stephenson, manufacturers and distributors of the "Krytox" family of lubricants, greases and oils. They're hydrophobic, also thermally stable, but based on compounds like polytetrafluoroethylene or perfluoropolyalkyl ether.

Based on your, presumably, lower load condition, products like these should serve you well.

Just ask for Frank in tech support.

Good luck!

William Gunnar

William Gunnar

http://www.IndustrialCoatingsWorld.com

 

[marctorrance]

Have you tried WD-40?

I agree with the comments about compatibility. Whatever you look at, you should do some swelling/dissolving/heating tests.