Solid lubrication

Solid lubrication replaces oil or grease with dry lubricants such as graphite, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) or PTFE, applied as bonded coatings on raceways, as powder or paste, or embedded in cage materials that transfer a lubricating film during operation. It is used where conventional lubricants fail or are prohibited: very high temperatures beyond grease limits, vacuum, radiation, or where oil outgassing and contamination are unacceptable, as in furnace and cleanroom applications. Limitations: solid lubricants dissipate no heat and the film is consumed rather than self-replenishing, so speeds and service life are well below oil- or grease-lubricated bearings.