What Is a Contact Grease?
Contact grease is a type of grease designed to protect slide contacts from sulfurization and oxidation.
This grease is highly resistant to thermal decomposition, excels in its resistance to acidic gases and chemicals, and boasts long-lasting properties. It is primarily composed of chemically stable synthetic oil. Furthermore, it exhibits outstanding cold resistance, remaining fluid even in environments with temperatures below -40°C.
Contact grease plays a crucial role in reducing contact wear, thereby enhancing the overall durability of the components it is applied to. Importantly, it has no adverse effects on the electrical characteristics of electronic components when used.
Applications of Contact Grease
Contact grease is commonly used to safeguard the electrical contacts in sliding parts of automobiles and electrical equipment against sulfurization and oxidation.
It is particularly valuable in areas where power is switched. Its application contributes to increased durability by minimizing contact wear and preventing sparking during connection. Moreover, since the contacts are shielded from exposure to air, there is no formation of an oxide film, reducing the likelihood of contact failure. Even if the switch operates by sliding, the contacts do not conduct with each other, eliminating the risk of a short circuit.
Principles of Contact Grease
The exceptional contact protection effect of Contact Grease produces a robust film that inhibits contact wear and shields the contacts from corrosive gases and oxidation.
Due to its composition of chemically stable and inert synthetic oil, it offers superior oxidation stability compared to products made with mineral or synthetic oils. Additionally, being a semi-fluid grease, it maintains its anti-corrosion and lubricating properties for an extended period compared to oil-based products.
Its viscosity is less influenced by temperature fluctuations compared to products containing mineral or synthetic oils because it is primarily composed of silicone oil.
The silicone fluid utilized in contact grease has a flow point of -40°C or lower, ensuring excellent low-temperature flowability, which sustains lubricity. Furthermore, this silicone fluid is chemically stable and inert, resulting in minimal impact on materials, especially on various types of resins.