184 Lubricant Additives: Chemistry and Applications
Fine sized particles are not necessarily the best distribution for a particular lubricating applica-
tion (see Figure 6.9). Some consideration is required for the most benefi cial particle size to match
up with the surface roughness and nature of the application. This consideration could run contrary
to what is the best particle size for dispersion stability. Therefore, some degree of compromise may
be necessary to achieve a balance of dispersion stability and lubrication performance.
FIGURE 6.7 Colloidal dispersion.
%CHANNEL %CHANNEL
20.0
18.0
16.0
14.0
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.018.0
16.0
14.0
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
0.100 1.000 10.00 100.0^100020.0Size (μm)FIGURE 6.8 Particle size distribution of colloidal graphite suspension.