Schmierölen

Schmierölen, often translated as lubricating oils, are essential substances used to reduce friction between moving surfaces. Their primary function is to create a film that separates these surfaces, preventing wear, heat generation, and potential damage. This film can be hydrodynamic, where the oil is pressurized by the motion of the surfaces, or boundary, where the oil molecules adhere directly to the surfaces under high pressure.

The composition of schmierölen typically includes a base oil and various additives. Base oils can be mineral-based, derived from crude oil, or synthetic, engineered for specific performance characteristics. Additives are crucial for enhancing the oil's properties, such as improving its viscosity index (resistance to temperature-induced changes in viscosity), preventing oxidation, reducing foam formation, and providing anti-wear or extreme pressure protection.

Schmierölen find widespread application across numerous industries and everyday uses. They are vital in automotive engines, gears, and transmissions, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Industrial machinery, from turbines and compressors to manufacturing equipment, relies heavily on lubrication to maintain efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. Even simple household items like door hinges or bicycle chains benefit from the application of schmierölen. The choice of schmieröl depends on factors like the operating temperature, pressure, speed of the moving parts, and the specific materials involved.