Production of Lubricant using Sri Lankan Graphite
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Date
2013
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Graphite is a polymorph of carbon that possesses high electrical conductivity. Most of the
industrial applications of graphite exploit this physical property. The loose coupling among the
graphite sheets contributes to another industrially important property that enables it to be used
as a dry lubricant (Jie, 2012).
Graphite has advantages in situations where wet lubricants might not be practical and also in
lubricating porous substances such as wood. Graphite has the natural ability to conduct heat and
electricity and is chemically inert. So it can be used as a conductor while lubricating the
surfaces. Graphite lubricant enhances load carrying capacity and solves sliding friction
problems where conventional lubricants fail to perform and produces better bonding strength.
Graphite, being naturally hydrophobic, resists rain, water, snow, and mud and aids in reducing
the development of corrosion and rust on valuable equipment (Jie, 2012).
Viscosity is the most important parameter in selecting a lubricant. It changes lubricating
properties at different temperature ranges. Therefore it is important to define a temperature
range in which the lubricant can be practicable.
Sri Lanka has reputation for its high quality vein graphite. Bogala and Kahatagaha are the main
graphite mines in Sri Lanka Kahatagaha graphite is said to be 99% pure crystalline vein
graphite. This research focuses on producing a lubricant using Sri Lankan graphite at low cost
particularly with the aim of productive utilization of graphite mill waste in future. It investigates
the optimum composition of the lubricant compound by testing various materials combinations
and concentrations that produce the best lubricity of graphite.
Methodology
Various weight ratios between finely-ground Kahatagaha graphite powder (75µm) and coconut
oil, toluene and carbon tetrachloride were used (5% to 60%) as the testing compounds. Viscous
graphite/organic liquid mixtures were stirred and blended in fast mill. Viscosity of each mixture
was measured by Brookfield Viscometer. The best organic liquid used to produce graphite
lubricant was identified based on higher viscosity and the optimum concentration of that
compound suitable for industrial applications was determined.
Description
Keywords
Mineral Sciences, Mineral, Graphite Industry, Graphite, Science and Technology, Polymer Science