The number of products and parts in the world that need lubrication is almost immeasurable, and there are many different types of lubricants and formulations that exist to meet this need. Two of the most recognizable lubricants are white lithium grease and silicone grease. Both fulfill a wide variety of needs, including everything from home applications to the aviation industry. Because people use both to lubricate parts, this often begs a few questions. What’s the difference between white lithium grease and silicone grease? Also, what applications are they most suitable for?
What Is White Lithium Grease?
White lithium grease most often has a petroleum base. Due to its formulation, it’s unadvisable to use it near or on rubber or plastic. This can cause premature degradation of the material. However, it’s non-corrosive, moisture and heat resistant, and does well under high stress and pressure. Additionally, white lithium grease adheres well to metal, but it also acts as a surfactant, which means it easily attracts dirt and dust.
What Is Silicone Grease?
Although it likely goes without saying, silicone grease contains silicone, with silicone itself being a hybrid between synthetic rubber and plastic. Silicone grease can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces and is also moisture and corrosion-resistant. Manufacturers can also formulate this grease to be non-toxic. However, it can’t withstand high-heat and high-pressure environments.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
The difference between white lithium grease and silicone grease lies in their formulations. Due to the fact that lithium grease has a petroleum base, lithium grease is more suitable for applications that need lubricants that are resistant to heat and pressure. Silicone grease is better for everyday applications due to its rubber-like base. Essentially, you would use white lithium grease in heavy-duty fields, including the automotive, aerospace, and aviation industries. On the other hand, silicone grease is useful for construction and at-home applications, such as greasing plumbing fixtures, sliding doors, and windows.
Fortunately, regardless of your lubricant needs, we have everything you need to keep things running smoothly. Here at Santie Oil Company, we’re not just an aviation lubricants supplier. We provide oil, grease, and other products for the aerospace, automotive, and food industries and much more.