Evaluation of Thermal and Rheological Properties of Lubricating Greases Modified with Recycled LDPE

The influence that recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and lithium thickener concentrations exerts on the thermal and rheological properties of lithium lubricating greases was investigated using different rheological techniques in a temperature range of 25–175◦C. In this way, different lubricating grease formulations were manufactured by modifying the concentration of lithium 12-hydroxystearate and content of recycled LDPE. These lubricating greases were rheologically characterized through small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and viscous flow measurements. In addition, bomb oxidation tests (BOTs) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis were carried out. From the experimental results obtained, it can be deduced that modified lithium lubricating greases can be considered thermo-rheologically complex materials. Different behaviors of the viscoelastic modulus with temperature as a function of thickener and recycled LDPE concentration were found. Two types of viscous flow behavior were observed depending on the grease composition: A plateau region appeared in a wide range of shear rates and, in some cases, a minimum in the flow curve was more pronounced at high temperatures. The modified lubricating greases studied showed lower thermal and oxidation stability than unmodified lithium lubricating greases.