Lubrication is the process, or technique employed to reduce wear of one or both surfaces in close proximity, and moving relative to each another, by interposing a substance called lubricant between the surfaces to carry or to help carry the load (pressure generated) between the opposing surfaces. The interposed lubricant film can be a solid, (e.g. graphite, MoS₂) a solid/liquid dispersion, a liquid, a liquid-liquid dispersion gasses exceptionally a gas.

In the most common case the applied load is carried by pressure generated within the fluid due to the frictional viscous resistance to motion of the lubricating fluid between the surfaces.

Lubrication can also describe the phenomenon such reduction of wear occurs without human intervention (hydroplaning on a road).

The science of friction, lubrication and wear is called tribology.

Adequate lubrication allows smooth continuous operation of equipment, with only mild wear, and without excessive stresses or seizures at bearings. When lubrication breaks down, metal or other components can rub destructively over each other, causing destructive damage, heat, and failure.

Contents

• 1 The regimes of lubrication
• 2 See also
• 3 References
• 4 External links

Adjective

slippery (comparative slipperier, superlative slipperiest)

1. Of a surface, having low friction, often due to being covered in a non-viscous liquid, and therefore hard to grip, hard to stand on without falling, etc.
2. (figuratively, by extension, of a person) Evasive; difficult to pin down.

• slippery customer
• slippery slope
• slippery as an eel
• Slippery Nipple

• Automotive (3)
• Dry (0)
• Silicones (1)

• Lubrication Systems (35)

• Associations (4)
• Wholesale and Distribution (15)

• Business: Chemicals: Specialties: Fuel Additives (38)
• Business: Energy: Oil and Gas (1,505)
• Science: Instruments and Supplies: Tribology and Lubrication (12)
• Science: Technology: Mechanical Engineering: Tribology (26)
• Shopping: Vehicles: Parts and Accessories: Lubricants (13)

• Russack Inc.
  russack.com
  Specializes in molybdenum disulfide and graphite dry lubricants and their applications. Offers lubricants, greases, and gearbox additives, as well as marine engine and automotive maintenance products.
• Alum-a-Lub Lubricant Corporation
  alumalub.com
  Distributor of a cleaning, lubricating and protectant chemical for metal and vinyl.
• Arven Industrial Chemicals, Ltd.
  arven.co.uk
  Producer of industrial chemicals, including cleaners, lubricants, and coatings.