Market Trends of Europe Grease Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Grease Market according to our research experts:
Metal Soaps to Dominate the Market
- Metal soap is the majorly used thickener for grease production, as it determines the grease properties. These include simple and complex metallic soaps (simple soaps include single fatty acids, whereas complex soaps have multiple fatty acids as complexing agents).
- Thickener acts as an agent that sets the grease apart from fluid lubricants. These are molecules, particles, or polymers that are partially soluble in lubricating fluid and impart a semi-solid consistency to the grease.
- Metallic soap thickener is used in various industries, such as automotive, construction and off-highways, general manufacturing, steel, mining, and other industries, due to its high mechanical stability and temperature tolerance characteristics.
- Lithium, aluminum, sodium, and calcium are the majorly used metals in these thickeners. Organic acids are being added as complexing agents to conventional metal soaps, in order to attain better load-carrying properties and achieve higher dropping points.
- Complex type thickeners have been witnessing the highest demand growth in the recent years, owing to their enhanced properties compared to simple thickeners. Complex thickeners provide improved temperature resistance, and they may not loose their structure as the temperatures approach 300ºC. Lithium complex is consumed mostly in this category, with growing demand for high performance greases. Other majorly used complex type thickeners include aluminum complex, sodium complex, and calcium complex.
- Additionally, with the lithium prices being volatile, the manufacturers have been actively involved in search of other raw materials. Innovations are being made in the lithium complex used where diacid is being replaced with borates as a raw material. This, in turn, is reducing the production time and cost to the manufacturer.
- Owing to the above-mentioned factors, the market for grease is expected to grow in the region during the forecast period.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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