How does adhesive lubricant work?
Since this lubricant is intended for mechanisms to which it cannot be force-fed during operation, the lubricant must have good adhesion (bonding) to the lubricated surface. Once applied, it must remain on the surface for as long as possible and ideally must not be rubbed off the surface at all during operation. It is also important that adhesive lubricant displaces moisture and does not absorb dust and dirt – after all, the mechanisms for which this lubricant is intended often work in the open air.
Special requirements apply to its consistency. At the moment of application the lubricant must be fluid enough to penetrate hard-to-reach places, and after application it must thicken so that it does not run out of the mechanisms it is intended to lubricate and protect. Such “duality” is achieved by using two components: the lubricant itself and a solvent that gives the composition the necessary fluidity. When it is applied to the surface, the solvent allows the lubricant to penetrate the most inaccessible places. The solvent then evaporates, leaving the lubricating compound on the surface.
Another requirement for adhesive lubricant is temperature stability. The lubricant must not thicken excessively in frost, depriving mechanisms of their mobility, and must not become too fluid when heated, so that it does not run out of the lubricated mechanism.
The description of the adhesive lubricant states that it has anti-corrosion properties. Does this mean that it can be applied to rusty surfaces?
In theory there is nothing against applying adhesive lubricant to rust. However, the benefit of this is small. The lubricant will hold less well on a rusty surface and will in addition absorb solid rust particles. The lubricant does not contain special substances that slow down or stop corrosion that has already started, and it certainly does not contain a rust converter. In essence, corrosion protection is only a pleasant bonus for adhesive lubricant: since the lubricant displaces moisture and forms a fairly strong and durable film on the surface, it automatically protects the surface from the effects of moisture, atmospheric oxygen and other harmful influences.
What is meant by the high loads for which AXIOM® adhesive lubricant is intended?
High loads in this case mean high intensity and long duration of operation. The lubricant holds well on the surface, thanks to which frequent application is not required. It should be borne in mind that the lubricant is not intended for use at high relative speeds of the lubricated parts, at high temperatures (above 200°C) or at very high specific pressures in the contact patch. Special lubricants exist for such specific conditions.