Rheology and tribology of ester-based greases with microcrystalline cellulose and organomodified montmorillonite

Abstract Due to the instability of the dispersions of cellulose particles in non-polar esters, they cannot be considered for use as lubricants or for other purposes. However, such dispersions can be made stable by addition a third component that can create a structural network to prevent aggregation and sedimentation of the cellulose particles. A series of di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate greases have been obtained using microcrystalline cellulose as a thickener and organomodified montmorillonite as a stabilizer. The characteristics of physicochemical properties of greases have been obtained: yield stress, elastic modulus, friction and wear coefficients, and wear scar diameter under heavy loads were measured. The effect of component concentration and mixing conditions on the rheological and tribological parameters was shown.