Barium Grease is a specialty, high-performance lubricating grease formulated using barium soap or barium complex thickeners combined with high-quality mineral or synthetic base oils and robust extreme-pressure (EP) additive systems.
It is distinguished by exceptional resistance to water, chemicals, acids, alkalis, solvents, and corrosive environments, along with outstanding load-carrying capability. These properties make barium grease suitable for critical industrial, marine, mining, and chemical processing applications where conventional greases fail.
Composition & Chemistry
Base Oil: High-viscosity mineral or synthetic oils, typically ISO VG 150–460, providing strong lubricating film strength, reduced wear, and enhanced thermal stability.
Thickener – Barium Soap / Barium Complex: Produced using barium salts of fatty acids, offering exceptional water resistance, natural corrosion inhibition, strong adhesion, and high load-bearing capacity.
Additive Package: EP additives, anti-wear agents, rust inhibitors, and oxidation stabilizers enhance performance under shock loads and in aggressive chemical environments.
Key Performance Characteristics
Outstanding Water Resistance: Retains consistency even under continuous water exposure and immersion.
Superior Corrosion Protection: Protects against fresh water, salt water, steam, and condensation.
Exceptional Chemical Stability: Resistant to mild acids, alkalis, and industrial solvents (compatibility to be confirmed for specific chemicals).
High Load-Carrying & EP Performance: Suitable for heavy static loads, shock loading, and slow-speed, high-torque conditions.
Thermal Stability: Barium complex grades offer improved temperature resistance.
Strong Adhesion & Film Strength: Highly tacky, stays in place under vibration and shock.
Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Thickener Type | Barium soap / Barium complex |
| Appearance | Smooth, buttery (light to dark brown) |
| NLGI Grades | 0, 1, 2, 3 |
| Most Common Grade | NLGI 2 |
| Dropping Point | 180°C – 220°C |
| Worked Penetration (NLGI 2) | 265 – 295 |
| Water Washout @ 80°C | < 1% (Excellent) |
| Copper Corrosion Test | Pass (1a) |
| EP Load Wear Index | High |
| Operating Temperature Range | –20°C to +150°C |
Comparison with Other Greases
| Feature | Barium Grease | Lithium Grease | Aluminum Complex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Poor–Moderate | Moderate |
| Load Carrying | Very High | Moderate | High |
| Corrosion Protection | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Temperature Capability | Moderate–High | Moderate | High |
| Environmental Acceptance | Restricted | Widely Accepted | Widely Accepted |
Available Grades & Variants
Standard Barium Soap Grease: Excellent water resistance and corrosion protection for heavy-duty industrial use.
Barium Complex Grease: Higher dropping point and improved thermal stability for demanding applications.
EP Barium Grease: Enhanced extreme-pressure performance for heavily loaded gears and bearings.
Packaging Options
Small Packs: 1 kg, 5 kg
Medium Containers: 20 kg, 50 kg
Drums: 180 kg MS drums
Bulk supply available directly from manufacturer
Custom OEM packaging on request
Applications
Industrial: Chemical processing machinery, pumps, valves, conveyors, textile machinery, mining equipment.
Marine & Offshore: Deck machinery, winches, cranes, seawater-exposed bearings, dock equipment.
Heavy Machinery: Gears, couplings, heavy bearings, industrial linkages.
Harsh Environments: Steam-exposed equipment, chemical splash zones, high-moisture industrial areas.
Advantages, Limitations & Safety
Advantages:
Exceptional water resistance
Outstanding corrosion protection
Very high load-carrying capacity
Excellent adhesion and film strength
Strong chemical resistance
Long service life in harsh environments
Limitations & Safety Considerations:
Barium compounds are toxic and subject to environmental restrictions
Not suitable for food-grade or environmentally sensitive applications
Not compatible with all grease types – compatibility testing required
Use appropriate PPE and dispose as per local hazardous waste regulations