Structure formation and heat-hardening of greases

Abstract

1. Using an instrument for determining ohmic and polarization resistance and an instrument for measuring the electron work function, studies have been made of the polar and electron-acceptor properties of Li, Na, and Ca soaps of various organic acids. Relations have been established among the polar properties of the soaps, the process of their micelle formation, and the bond energies in the disperse system. 2. Li soaps possess a high polarity in the process of micelle formation in the presence of water, as do soaps of 12-hydroxystearic acid and low molecular weight acids such as lauric and palmitic. Correspondingly, these soaps have high bond energies between the anionic and cationic parts of the molecule, between molecules in the micelles, and between the micelles themselves (fibers of the soap). Greases made from such acids are resistant to polarization by external factors and are not prone to heat-harden. 3. Na and Ca soaps possess low polarities, as do soaps of high molecular weight acids such as behenic. These soaps are readily polarized; in the process of heat-hardening, losing their water of solvation, they create an overall ionic system with a high internal energy. 4. Hypotheses have been formulated for the effect of water on the processes of heat-hardening and for the moisture-hardening of various greases. It has been shown that soaps with optimum polarity must be used in order to obtain high-quality greases.