Lubrication Facts & Knowledge

In the vacuum of space, traditional liquid lubricants would instantly evaporate or freeze, so spacecraft and satellites use special solid lubricants like molybdenum disulfide or even gold plating on moving parts. The International Space Station's robotic arm joints use these exotic materials because there's no air to carry away heat, meaning friction can cause extreme temperature...

Ships, boats, and offshore platforms are now using biodegradable lubricants that break down naturally if spilled into the ocean, unlike traditional petroleum oils that can persist for years. These eco-friendly oils are often made from vegetable oils like rapeseed or sunflower, chemically modified to handle the demanding conditions of marine engines and...

Formula 1 racing engines operate with oil temperatures exceeding 150°C (302°F), nearly hot enough to boil water, compared to about 100°C in regular cars. At these extreme temperatures, conventional oils would break down within minutes, turning into sludge and destroying the engine. Racing oils use specially designed synthetic...

Electric vehicles may have no engine oil, but they still need specialized lubricants for their single-speed gearboxes and electric motors. These EV fluids must handle constant high RPMs, which are typical for electric motors, unlike the varying speeds of gasoline engines....