Before the 1940s, industrial greases were primarily calcium or sodium-based, each with significant limitations. Calcium greases couldn't handle high temperatures, while sodium greases failed in wet conditions. Then came lithium soap-based greases—a complete game-changer.
Lithium greases offered something unprecedented: exceptional performance across extreme temperature ranges (-20°C to +130°C), excellent water resistance, and mechanical stability that outlasted earlier formulations by orders of magnitude. Within just two decades, lithium greases captured over 70% of the global market, effectively becoming the industry standard.
The secret lies in lithium's unique molecular structure, which creates a more stable soap thickener matrix. This allows the base oil to be held more effectively while maintaining consistency under both mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations.
Modern multipurpose formulations like GTX Lithium EP0 build on this seven-decade legacy, combining lithium's inherent advantages with contemporary EP additives for enhanced protection.
