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 sees it as its responsibility to increase the proportion of sustainable, resource-saving lubricating greases. With Divinol Multipurpose Grease Ca 2, a lithium-free lubricating grease developed entirely on a calcium soap basis is now reaching the market. In future, the product will serve as a high-performance alternative to the tried-and-tested Divinol Multipurpose Grease 2.
Many companies use lithium hydroxide as a raw material for thickening their lubricating greases. The composition is ideally 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 global 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 and automotive sectors. The e-mobility trend is creating a real hype around lithium hydroxide, meaning that sharp price rises and depleted supply chains are to be expected.
"Of course, this change in the market has not gone unnoticed by us," says Christian Stapper, Product Manager Lubricating Greases at Zeller+Gmelin. "As a sustainability-oriented company, we believe now is the right time to offer lithium-free lubricating greases to the market."
New basis for Divinol products
Customers around the world successfully use Divinol brand lubricating greases. Whether in automobiles or industrial plants - the lubricating greases ensure low-friction running of roller bearings, plain bearings, gears and other units. "Our laboratory team is constantly researching alternative thickening technologies and is currently further optimizing the use of calcium soap," continues Christian Stapper. "Based on this lithium-free thickener, we are developing new, high-quality lubricating greases that are suitable for demanding rolling bearing applications, among other things."
The latest proof of this is 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 subject to normal thermal and mechanical loads in all types of machinery, blowers, pumps, presses, calenders, etc.
Christian Stapper concludes: "Our new lithium-free product has already proven itself many times in practice. As a walk-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 look forward to the worldwide feedback."