MOLYKOTE® TECHNOLOGIES

For Chain Lubrication

Distributed in this region by

Project Sales Corporation
28 Founta Plaza
Suryabagh
Visakhapatnam 530 020
Telefax: 0891 2590482
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION

MOLYKO TE TECH NOLOGIE S

Molykote® M 30 Chain Lubricant

Molykote® Polygliss

Molykote® CO220

Molykote® Omnigliss

Molykote® MKLn Chain Lubricant

Molykote® 321 R

Molykote® 1121

Molykote® 1231 LN

Molykote® S1500 series

Molykote® P40

Molykote® L-1460 FG

Molykote® L-1468 FG

SELEC TION MATR IXES

By Problem Definition

By L-E-T-S Conditions

HINTS ON REPAIR AND

MAINTEN ANCE

BIBLIOGRAPHY
M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Brief Description of
Machine Component
Molykote® Book, Published by Dow Corning GmbH, Munchen

C
hain drives are used to transmit forces and motion between parallel shafts.
They are used whenever spindle/shaft spacings have to be bridged which
cannot be achieved with gear wheels or with belt drives because of
unfavorable space or transmission conditions. Chain drives are preferred to as
“positive envelope drives”. One or more sprockets are “enveloped” by an endless
chain. They offer slip-free power transmission. If properly designed, they combine the
advantages of a positive belt-drive with those of a positive gear wheel drive. Any
shocks, which can endanger service reliability, are largely absorbed by chain drives,
unlike spur gears, where elastic couplings have to be used. The mechanical efficiency of
chain drives is ŋ = 0.93 to 0.99.

A varietyof types of sprocket chains are used as drive chains or load chains for power
transmissions, such as:

Heavy duty roller chains; closed pitch or precision roller chains; flat top crate conveyor
chains; ‘duplex’ or ‘triplex’ roller chains; malleable iron link chains; inverted-tooth or
silent chains.

Because of its versatility, the roller chain should be seen as the most important.

Tribotechnical Design of Chains

When lubrication is carried out with oils or greases, chains will operate in the mixed-
friction range; with power transmission takes place both via the lubricant and the solid-
body contact. For good tribological design, it is therefore important to keep wear
caused by mixed-friction as small as possible, by using suitable lubricants. The lubricant
must also meet secondary requirements relating to adhesion and oxidation resistance,
in addition to the primary requirements.

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M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Practical Application
Various methods can be used to apply chain lubricants. This include:

Manual Application; Drip-feed application; Splash lubrication in oil bath; Forced-feed

circulatory lubrication; Oil/air lubrication (spray lubrication); dry lubrication with anti-
friction coatings.

Minimising wear using specialty lubricants

In the case of heavily loaded chains drives, high viscosities are used to minimize wear.
Molykote® provides a
The base oil viscosities are important. In addition, solid
complete range of lubricants (mos2; colloidal graphite) are also used as additives.
specialty lubricants for The service temperature of the lubricant must be considered as
all chain applications
one of the main criteria. Because of the greater proportion of
mixed friction, the decrease in viscosity at higher temperatures means greater wear on
pins and bushes, and considerably limits the service life of a chain drive. Mineral oils
are not used elevated temperatures since gumming (resinification) occurs as low as 120
degree C, which can affect chain flexibility. Synthetic oils with favourable viscosity-
temperature properties are therefore used at high temperature ranges.

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M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Molykote® Technologies

Dispersions
Molykote® dispersions are finely divided solid lubricants
suspended in lubricating fluids. They are preferred where it is
necessary to apply solid lubricants in liquid form to units in
operation or to otherwise inaccessible points.

Anti-friction Molykote® anti-friction coatings are similar to a lubricating

Coatings paint and contain a select blend of molybdenum disulphide and
other solid lubricants dispersed in resinous or inorganic
binder/solvent. They cure to form a dry, solid lubricant coating
that is bonded to the surface. Dusty environment and inaccessible parts, which are
lubricated for life, are ideal applications for anti-friction coatings.

Greases Molykote® chain greases are fortified with molybdenum

disulphide to provide effective lubrication under extreme load
conditions. Molykote® grease formulations are available with
mineral oil or synthetic oils. They contain adhesion improvers, corrosion inhibitors,
solid lubricants and solvents, which assist penetration into critical areas such as link
pins.

Oils Molykote® has an extensive range of chain oils in mineral and

synthetic bases. Viscosity grades are available from 26 mm²/s to
over 4000 mm²/s. They are available in food-grade and non-
food grade formulations. Molykote® synthetic formulations contain thermally stable
oxidation inhibitors and extreme pressure additives, and combine these with their
excellent high temperature performance. They can be applied manually with brush,
spray gun, or automatic lubricators using drip, jet or spray.

Aerosols Molykote® aerosols are easy to use maintenance sprays available

for quick lubrication of inaccessible points. They combine the
Molykote® advantage of delivering solid lubricants in an easy to
use spray can with carrier oils or solvents and high performance additive formulations.
They provide excellent chain link penetration and adhesion and lubricity after
evaporation of the carrier oil or solvents.
M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Molykote ® Products Available for Chain

Lubrication

Dispersion Molykote® M30 is a high temperature lubricant comprising

colloidal molybdenum disulphide in a non-carbonizing synthetic
carrier. It provides oil lubrication upto +200 degree c at which
temperature carrier fluid evaporates leaving a very effective dry lubricating film, which
operates upto 450 degree C. The product is black in color due to MOS2 and is used for
lubrication of chains operating at high temperatures. The viscosity of the product at 50
degree c is 86 cst. Due to its non-resinification tendency, the product replaces mineral
oils in application where high temperatures form carbonaceous deposits with mineral
oils. The product is available in 1 ltr, 5ltr, 20 ltr packs.

Aerosol Molykote® Polygliss is an adhesive chain lubricant for use at

temperatures upto 160 degree C and is available in an easy to use
spray cans. The product has a base oil viscosity of 2260 cst and
contains adhesion improvers making it ideal for high speed chains. Polygliss is also
resistant to hot water, cold water, salt water, and other alkaline solutions with a salt
spray resistance of over 480 hours as per DIN 50017. The product has a capability to
withstand high pressures and is used for chains, especially those, which are open to the
influences of weather.

Oil Molykote® CO220 is a light colored chain lubricant based on

synthetic oil with the addition of thermally stable oxidation
inhibitors and extreme pressure additives. It provides an
adhesive and protective lubricating film upto temperature conditions of +230 degree
C. The product has a very low evaporation rate and resists hardening and build up at
high temperatures. Brownish transparent in color the product has a viscosity of 220 cst
at 100 degree C and 36 cst at 100 degree C. With a flash point of 250 + degree c,
Molykote CO220 is used for oil lubricated chains operating at high temperatures.

Aerosol Molykote® Omnigliss is a low viscosity (44cst) extreme pressure

lubricating oil exhibiting excellent penetrating and water
repelling properties. This light amber product has a service
temperature of 80 degree C on the high side but contains corrosion inhibitors, which
gives it very high corrosion protection capabilities exceeding 720 hours as per DIN
50017 or no rust after 30 days. The product contains white solid lubricants and gives
an AWM OK load of 20000N. The product is currently available in a spray form
making it ideal for applications, which are not equipped with grease nipples, or oiling
holes.
M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Grease Molykote® MKLn is a mineral oil chain grease with solid

lubricants dispersed in a safe, non-toxic and non-flammable
solvent which assists penetration into critical areas such as link
pins. The product provides long-term chain lubrication and reduces friction and wear,
operating noise and increases the service life of the chains. Molykote Mkln has
excellent adhesion after evaporation of the solvent with a viscosity over 4000 cst,
excellent temperature resistance with over 160 degree C and is resistant to hot and cold
water. The product is used for high-speed chains and precision chains of all sizes. The
aerosol version contains environmentally safe propellant, and other pack sizes include
1 kg, 5 kg and 20 kg containers.

Anti-friction Molykote® 321R is a room temperature air drying anti-friction

Coating coating with high load carrying capacity and excellent adhesion
to smooth surfaces of all metals. The product air dries in about 5
minutes and provides dry lubrication at very high temperatures and loads. Chain
manufacturers use Molykote 321R to treat pins and bushes to prevent fretting and
increase the reliability and service life of chains. The product has excellent resistance to
many fuels including hydrazine and is suitable for dry lubrication of chains in dusty
environments. It comes in 400 ml spray cans and bulk packing for dipping, brushing
and centrifuging applications. The recommended dry film thickness is 5 to 20 microns.

Grease Molykote 1121 is a mineral oil grease with high viscosity base oil
of 900 cst for all hollow pin chains, providing effective
lubrication upto 160 degree C. The product has excellent
resistance to steam, many acids and alkalis and provides excellent lubricity. Molykote
1121 contains solid lubricants and is use by filling the chain pin with the grease and
relubricating by a grease gun. The product is black in colour, has no drop point due to
its inorganic thickeners and is available in 25 kg bulk containers.

Grease Molykote 1231 LN is a high viscosity (4300 cst at 40 degree C)

semi-fluid high temperature lubricant for initial lubrication and
relubrication of chains operating under high pressures. The
product is resistant to heat ageing and water. A very flat viscosity/temperature curve
prevents rapid run-off leakage from hot lubrication areas. The product has a synthetic
oil base and is temperature resistant upto +180 degree C and reduces wear under
conditions of extreme load. Molykote 1231 LN is used for all types of chains, especially
chains with solid pins, i.e. chain bolts without any grease nipples such as high
temperature clamp stenter chains in the textile industry.
M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Oil Molykote S 1500 series is a new line of high technology chain

oils introduced recently with the highest temperature resistance
and lower friction than comparable synthetic oils.

One of the effects of the temperature in a lubricant is its oxidation. The resistance of a
lubricant to oxidation can be measured by TG Analysis test. Molykote S-1502 from the
new line shows a 300% better resistance than other high quality synthetic chain oils.

Another important effect of the temperature in a lubricant is the evaporation. The

ASTM D 972/97 can measure this. The better resistance of the new Molykote chain
oils can represent a reduction of more than 600% of the evaporation.

The SRV ASTM D-5707 test measures the co-efficient of the function of a lubricant.
The new additive package of the Molykote® S-1503 and S-1504 allows a reduction of
the co-efficient of friction from a 0.10-0.12 of other competitors’ synthetic oils to 0.04.

Molykote S 1500 series of oils can be used with brush, spray gun, drop-feed oiler or
conventional metering devices, and are available in 5ltr and 20 ltr cans.

Oil Molykote S-1500 is a semi-synthetic oil for lubricating metal

chains at high temperatures upto +200 degree C, providing
longer lubricating intervals. The product has a viscosity of 90-
100 cst at 40 degree C, is yellowish transparent in color and contains a mixture of
mineral/synthetic oil, corrosion inhibitors, EP additives, and oxidation inhibitors.

Oil Molykote S-1501, S-1502, S-1503 are mixture of synthetic oils

for lubricating metal chains at even high temperatures at +250
degree C. They have very low evaporation rate and longer
lubrication intervals at very high temperatures (upto 250 degree C). Transparent and
with different viscosity index available, these products contain friction improver
additives, corrosion inhibitors, EP additives, and oxidation inhibitors. For detailed
specification of each product, please get in touch with us at Project Sales Corp, Phone
0891 2564393, Fax 0891 2590482.

Molykote S-1504 is a synthetic gel for lubricating metal chains at

Oil/Gel
temperatures upto 250 degree C with a CFC free solvent that
evaporates giving the oil a viscosity of 2650-2950 cst at 40
degree C. The product has very low evaporation and provides very long lubricating
intervals at very high temperatures. The product is thinly applied to the dry chain with
a brush. Let the solvent evaporate for approximately 30 minutes before reassembling
or putting the chain in operation.
M O L Y K O T E ® T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R C H A I N L U B R I C A T I O N

Grease/Paste Molykote P 40 is a grease paste combining the advantage of

easy application of grease with the corrosion protection and
high temperature capabilities of solid lubricant pastes. The
product is ideal for application for normal and stainless steel chains, which have
premature wear due to heavy loads and corrosion due to wet environments. Molykote
P 40 is a synthetic based product with inorganic thickener making it ideal for any grease
application chain requiring very high temperature resistance and long-term lubrication.
The base oil viscosity of the product is 900 cst at 40 degree C, and it contains adhesion
improvers which resist even splash water. Available in 400 ml spray cans and 1 kg
packing, the product is excellent lubricant for chains operating in very high
temperatures, open corrosive environments or where splash water is likely.

Oil Food-grade Molykote L-1460 FG and L-1468 FG are high performance

industrial lubricants for chain applications where H1 designation
is required for incidental food contact not to exceed 10 ppm.
These products have wide service temperature range and are available in synthetic and
semi-synthetic formulations. They help food and beverage installations reduce overall
maintenance costs by providing longer lubrication intervals and resist breakdown even
in the presence of water and steam. Molykote FG chain oils are SAE 30 grade oils with
a viscosity of 66 cst at 40 degree C. For more information on these new products,
please get in touch with us at Project Sales Corp at 0891 2564393, 2590482.
Selection Matrixes
The L-E-T-S matrix represents the primary lubricant requirement relating to the reduction of
wear caused by mixed friction. In addition, secondary requirements have to be met,
depending on the application. Oxidation resistance and adhesion must be taken into account
to a greater extent in lubricant applications involving chains.

Product Viscosity Temp. Range High High Environmen Low Friction

at 40ºC (ºC) Loads Speeds tal Influence
(mm²/s)
Molykote M 30 133 -40 to +450 Excellent Good ƒ Good
Molykote Polygliss 2260 -20 to +200 Good Excellent Good Good
Molykote CO220 220 -10 to +250 Good Good ƒ Good
Molykote Omnigliss 26 -30 to +80 Good ƒ ƒ Good
Molykote MKLn 4000 -25 to +160 Good Excellent Excellent Good
Molykote 321R - -180 to +450 Good ƒ Good Good
Molykote 1121 900 0 to +160 Good - - Good
Molykote 1231 LN 4300 -10 to +180 Good - - Good
Molykote S 1500 100 -10 to +200 Good ƒ ƒ Good
Molykote S 1501 130 -25 to +250 Good ƒ ƒ Good
Molykote S 1502 150 -30 to +250 Excellent Good ƒ Excellent
Molykote S 1503 220 -20 to +250 Excellent Good ƒ Excellent
Molykote S 1504 2800 0 to +250 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Molykote P 40 900 -40 to +1200 Excellent ƒ Excellent Good
Molykote L1460 FG 66 - - - - -
Molykote L1468 FG 65.8 - - - - -
ƒ Not recommended

By Problem Definition

Please see attached file for selection matrixes included here in large font for better visibility.

8
Hints on repair and maintenance
The service life of a chain can be increased considerably by using suitable lubricants under
different service conditions and observing the requisite relubrication periods. The principle cause
of chain failure is excessive wear, resulting from improper lubrication or inadequate maintenance.

If when checking the state of wear of the chain links, the chain has been stretched by more than
2-3% of its initial length, it must be changed, otherwise differences in pitch will be produced
between the links which can no longer be absorbed by the sprockets. Additional stresses and
friction moments are thereby generated, increasing the stress on the chain.

A very dirty chain must be cleaned, to allow penetration of the lubricant. Suitable solvents such as
1.1.1-trichlorethane or white spirit, or Dow Corning OS2 cleaner for precision chains, are used for
this purpose. After cleaning, the chain is dried with a lint free cloth.

If the chain has to be fully lubricated, it must be removed, thoroughly cleaned and then immersed
in chain greases, anti-friction coatings, high viscosity chain oils, etc to achieve complete lubricant
penetration.

If dipping process is used, the dipping process should take place in such a way that the chain
rollers are at right angles to the bottom of the dipping tank.

Synthetic chain oils have a longer life at high temperatures, have greater oxidation stability and
leave fewer combustion residues and decomposition particles.

In drip-feed, the quantity of oil dependent on chain speed should be approx. 4 to 10 drops per
minute. The quantity of oil must be increased for temperatures in excess of 60 degree C,

In case of heavily loaded chain drives, high-viscosity lubricants are used to minimize wear. In
addition, solid lubricants are used as additives.

High centrifugal forces, such as occur at pinion and sprocket (reversing points) with fast-
running chains, call for appropriate lubricant adhesion. Thin oils are thrown from the chain
much more quickly than thick oils.

Bibliography
Molykote® Book, published by Dow Corning GmbH, 1991.
Molykote® Catalog, Dow Corning Australia, Published 1990.
Molykote® High Performance Industrial Lubricants Catalog Form # 71-0103J-01, Published 2002.

Contact us at
Project Sales Corp, 28 Founta Plaza, Suryabagh, Visakhapatnam 530020, AP. Phones: 0891
2564393, 5566482, Fax 0891 2590482, mail to sales@projectsalescorp.com. www.molykote.com