Aluminum Complex Grease (Al-Complex)

Aluminum Complex Grease is a high-performance, premium-grade lubricating grease formulated using aluminum complex soap thickeners, high-viscosity mineral or synthetic base oils, and a carefully balanced additive system.

Unlike conventional aluminum soap greases, aluminum complex greases incorporate complexing agents that significantly enhance dropping point, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and water resistance. This makes them ideal for extreme operating environments involving high temperatures, heavy loads, water exposure, vibration, and long service intervals.

Due to excellent adhesion and resistance to washout, aluminum complex greases are widely used in industrial, automotive, marine, construction, and food-processing equipment.

Composition & Manufacturing

Base Oil

High-quality mineral oil, synthetic oil (PAO), or food-grade white oil with base oil viscosity typically between 100–460 cSt @ 40°C.

Base oil selection influences load-carrying capacity, film strength, oxidation resistance, and low-temperature pumpability.

Thickener – Aluminum Complex Soap

Aluminum soaps reacted with complexing acids (such as benzoic or acetic derivatives) form a stable complex structure providing:

✔ High dropping point (>250°C)
✔ Excellent water resistance
✔ Strong mechanical stability
✔ Superior adhesion to metal surfaces

Additive System

Advanced additives may include anti-wear (AW), extreme pressure (EP), rust & corrosion inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, tackifiers, and food-grade additives for NSF H1 formulations.

Key Performance Characteristics

Exceptional Water & Moisture Resistance
Maintains consistency under water, steam, and salt spray exposure. Ideal for marine and wash-down environments.

High Dropping Point & Thermal Stability
Dropping point typically between 250–300°C, suitable for sustained high-temperature bearing operation.

Excellent Mechanical & Shear Stability
Resists softening under vibration and high shear. Minimal oil separation during long service life.

Superior Adhesion
Tacky nature allows grease to stay in place under shock loads and centrifugal forces.

Rust & Corrosion Protection
Protects metal surfaces in humid, coastal, and chemically aggressive environments.

Wide Operating Temperature Range
Effective from –20°C to +180°C, with short-term peak capability up to 200°C.

Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties

PropertyTypical Range / Description
AppearanceSmooth, buttery, slightly tacky
Thickener TypeAluminum Complex
NLGI Grades0, 1, 2, 3
Most Common GradeNLGI 2
Dropping Point250°C – 300°C
Worked Penetration (NLGI 2)265 – 295
Base Oil Viscosity @ 40°C100 – 460 cSt
Water Washout @ 80°CVery Low (2 – 5%)
Operating Temperature–20°C to +180°C
Short-Term Peak TempUp to 200°C
Rust Protection (ASTM D1743)Pass

Aluminum Complex Grease vs Other Greases

FeatureAluminum ComplexLithiumCalcium
Dropping PointVery HighHighLow
Water ResistanceExcellentGoodExcellent
Mechanical StabilityExcellentVery GoodGood
AdhesionExcellentModerateHigh
Temperature CapabilityHighMedium-HighLow

Available Grades & Variants

✔ Standard Aluminum Complex Grease – industrial & automotive use
✔ EP Aluminum Complex Grease – heavy and shock loads
✔ Synthetic Aluminum Complex Grease – PAO-based, extended life
✔ Food-Grade Aluminum Complex Grease (NSF H1)

Packaging Options

Cartridges: 400 g / 500 g
Small packs: 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg
Buckets: 18 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg
Drums: 180 kg
Bulk & customized OEM packaging available

Applications

Industrial
Bearings, conveyors, motors, water treatment, textile & paper machinery

Automotive & Heavy Equipment
Wheel bearings, chassis, construction & mining equipment

Marine & Wet Environments
Boat trailers, offshore machinery, dock equipment

Food-Grade Applications (H1)
Food processing, packaging machinery, pharmaceutical equipment

Advantages

✔ Excellent water resistance
✔ Very high dropping point
✔ Strong adhesion & stay-put behavior
✔ Superior corrosion protection
✔ Long relubrication intervals

Limitations & Considerations

Higher cost than calcium or simple lithium greases. Compatibility should be verified before mixing with other grease types.