Due to the global trend towards electric drives and e-mobility, the limited raw material lithium will be less available in the future. The lubricant manufacturer Zeller+Gmelin therefore feels responsible for increasing the share of sustainable, resource-saving lubricating greases. With Divinol Multipurpose Grease Ca 2, a lithium-free grease has now reached the market that was developed entirely on a calcium-soap basis. In future, the product will serve as a high-performance alternative to the proven Divinol Multipurpose Grease 2.
Many companies use lithium hydroxide as a raw material to thicken their greases. The composition is excellently suited to a wide range of temperature and load conditions and can therefore be used in many technical applications. With a share of almost 70 %, this thickening technology has therefore dominated the world market for lubricating greases for decades. Due to the increased demand for lithium-ion batteries, the raw material is also becoming attractive for other industries such as the electrical or automotive sectors. The e-mobility trend is creating a real hype for lithium hydroxide, so sharp price increases and depleted supply chains are to be expected.
"Of course, this market change has not gone unnoticed by us," says Christian Stapper, Product Manager Lubricating Greases at Zeller+Gmelin. "As a sustainability-oriented company, we see now as the right time to offer lithium-free greases to the market."
New basis for Divinol products
Customers all over the world successfully use Divinol brand lubricating greases. Whether in automobiles or industrial plants - the lubricating greases ensure low-friction concentricity of rolling bearings, plain bearings, gears and other aggregates. "Our laboratory team is constantly researching alternative thickening technologies and is currently optimising the use of calcium soap," Christian Stapper continues. "Based on this lithium-free thickener, we are developing new, high-quality lubricating greases that are suitable for demanding rolling bearing applications, among others."
The latest proof of this is now Divinol Multipurpose Grease Ca 2, which can be seen as a lithium-free alternative to Divinol Multipurpose Grease 2. The multipurpose grease offers a temperature application range of -30 to +120 °C and is designed for the lubrication of roller and plain bearings subjected to normal thermal and mechanical loads in machines of all kinds, blowers, pumps, presses, calendars etc.
Christian Stapper concludes: "Our new lithium-free product has already proven itself in practice many times. As a working-stable calcium soap grease, it offers reliable wear and corrosion protection and is also resistant to water and oxidation. We are therefore convinced that we are offering our users a real alternative here and are looking forward to the worldwide feedback."
www.zeller-gmelin.com
