Molygraph: Can Lithium be replaced by Calcium in Greases?

Lithium grease is considered a multi-purpose grease. Due to its properties like good shear stability, excellent water resistance, high-temperature capability, and good response to various additives and performances, it dominates the worldwide market.

However, over the past few months, the price of lithium has increased drastically. So, this rising trend leads to a question: Is using lithium-based grease still viable in the long-term given the increase in price?

Suitable Alternatives:

Depending on the application and operating conditions, suitable soap thickeners can be selected as an alternative to conventional lithium and lithium complex greases.

Calcium Sulfonate grease shows a very high dropping point of 300°C compared to lithium grease. It shows exceptional extreme pressure and antiwear performance, excellent water washout, corrosion prevention, high-temperature resistance, and good mechanical and shear stability. Their pumpability is slightly less as compared to Lithium greases. Calcium Sulfonate grease does not need any additives to meet certain requirements as compared to lithium grease.

Due to excellent properties, performance and economic viability, calcium sulfonate grease can replace lithium grease and work as a multi-purpose grease.

Calcium 12 hydroxy stearate grease is also considered as an alternative to lithium-based grease. Calcium portfolio in terms of environmental pollution is better than lithium. Calcium  hydroxide is not a pollutant. Calcium grease shows better roll stability, excellent water washout and mechanical stability.

Lithium-Calcium grease is another effective alternative for lithium grease. In this type of grease, lithium is partially replaced by calcium. Thus, most of the properties remain unaffected.

This means  that manufacturers and customers can remain unaffected by the rising price of lithium by switching to Calcium – Based grease without compromising the performance of lithium-based grease.

Comparative Performance Data of lithium, calcium sulfonate, lithium-calcium and calcium 12-hydroxy stearate grease:

This content was first published on the Molygraph website.