Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: United Oil Products | Subject: Copper antiseize compounds
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 08 March 2002
All that's copper coloured is not
antiseize
Antiseize compounds include a proportion of copper, but this doen't mean that any copper-coloured grease or grease containing copper is an effective antiseize compound.
When antiseize compounds were first developed, they were formulated to "do the job", and included a proportion of copper Although copper does contribute to the technical performance of the product, because of its colouring capacity it wrongly gives the impression that it is the prime constituent
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 6 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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This misconception has lead to the belief that any copper-coloured grease or grease containing copper is an effective antiseize compound.
The original formulation for antiseize necessarily included a high proportion of pure metallic lead, but its inclusion has become less acceptable in recent years.
This has given rise to the emergence of large numbers of copper-coloured greases.
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Usually containing some graphite, they attempt to match the appearance of the original copper-lead compounds, but apparently without due regard to the technical requirements.
Pure metallic lead does not present the hazards associated with lead Compounds, and UOP still manufactures large volumes of the original copper-lead antiseize.
In addition, the company has developed a lead-free version, which has been formulated to match the performance of the original copper lead compound.
A critical property of antiseize is its "film strength" in order that it remains on the treated parts in a sufficient concentration to ensure its effectiveness.
This is guaranteed in copper-lead compound by the lead content.
The lead-free version contains a proportion of a highly viscous synthetic lubricant, together with a controlled quantity of polyisobutene to ensure that film strength is maintained, even in the most arduous conditions of pressure, temperature and environment.
This critical film strength is noticeably missing in most of the copper-coloured greases.
UOP compounds are marketed worldwide by internationally recognised brands, who insist on products which meet all the claims made for them.
They are manufactured from the best available materials, but of equal importance is the manufacturing process itself.
Unlike others, UOP copper antiseizes are true compounds and not just mixtures of ingredients in a grease carrier.
Our product specific compounding method produces a distinct matrix, enveloping all the necessary antiseize properties which ensure an even, permanent covering and protection of the treated surface.
This is as opposed to simply mixed greases that just impart the individual properties of each component as and where they are in contact with the treated area.
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