Greases electrical conductivity

Low melting point Low boiling point Physically soft Malleable, not brittle Low electrical conductivity Dissolve in non-polar solvents Insoluble in polar solvents Ice melts in the mouth Molecular nitrogen is a gas at room temperature We use petroleum jelly as a lubricant Butter is easily spread on a piece of bread We insulate electrical cables with plastic3 We remove grease with methylated spiritb Polyurethane paint protects the window frame from rain... 

The electrical conductivity data of grease was obtained by volume resistivity test cells made by Electro-Tech Systems, Inc. (ETS) [27]. The cell dimensions automatically calculate the volume resistivity of the material being tested by multiplying the measured resistance by either 10 (large cell) or 100 (small cell). The stainless-steel container acts as both an electrostatic shield and provides containment of material overflow. The test cell is made from PVC and uses stainless-steel electrodes. Figure 19.4 shows a diagram of the test cell. 

In order to better understand and improve the conductivities of nanocomposites (nanotube greases), the electrical conductivities of various fillers (nanotubes) in the solid phase were measured. 

H. Hong, D. Thomas, A. Waynick, Y. Wenhua, P. Smith, W. Roy, Carbon nanotube grease with enhanced thermal and electrical conductivities, J. Nanopart. Res., 12, 529-535 (2010). 

Although there are many unknown or uncertain factors related to the fundamental nature of nanocomposites (nanotube greases), the increased electrical and thermal conductivities by addition of nanofillers strongly indicate that these nanotube greases could replace the current commercial greases (lithium, calcium, aluminum, and polyurea) and have a promising future in commercial applications. 

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