A new approach on grease tribology in sealing technology: Influence of the thickener particles

Tests on the influence of different grease thickeners on the operational behavior were performed using both, a ring-on-disc set up and a test rig for radial shaft seals. Friction coefficients, wear and seal pumping were measured and correlated with the size and shape of the thickener particles. It could be shown that thickener particles are present in the sealing gap and are influencing the performance of the sealing system.