Terminology
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Silicone Compounds
Grease-like materials usually based on the dispersion of a
silica-thickening agent in a dimethyl-silicone fluid. They are used as a
moisture barrier, surface protectant, dielectric insulator and for specialized
release and lubrication. These compounds are not to be used for metal to metal
load bearing lubrication.
Silicone Heat Transfer Compounds
Grease-like material based on the dispersion of a metal
oxide-thickening agent in a silicone fluid. They are excellent dielectric
materials and are used to enhance thermal conductivity.
Penetration
A measure of the consistency or hardness of a grease or
compound. It is a measure of the depth in tenths of a millimeter, that a
standard cone penetrates the grease or compound sample under prescribed
conditions of weight, time and temperature. All measurements are in an inverse
scale of consistency, the softer the consistency, the higher the penetration.
Bleed
A measure of the amount of oil separation loss due to the
exposure of the grease or compound to high temperature. Measured as a % loss in
24 hours at some specified temperature.
Dielectric Constant
A value that serves as an index of the ability of a substance
to resist the transmission of an electrostatic force one charged body to
another. The lower the value, the greater the resistance.
Dielectric Strength
The voltage at which electrical breakdown of the dielectric
compounds occurs, expressed as volt/mil when tested at a specific gap size.
Dissipation Factor
Ratio of loss current to charging current.
Dissipation Constant
A measure of the rate at which a given electrically charged
medium loses its charge to the surrounding air.
Evaporation
A measure of the amount of evaporation loss due to exposure
of the grease or compound to high temperature. Measured as a % loss in 24 hours
at some specified temperature.
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which vapors above the oil surface
first ignite when a small test flame is passed across the surface under
specified conditions.
Gradient
Rate of change in the magnitude of a variable.
Hydrolytic Stability
The chemical characteristic of a grease or compound which
makes it less reactive with water.
Refractive Index
The ratio of velocity of light (of a specified wave length)
in air at 25C to its velocity in the substance under test.
Resistivity
A measure of the electrical insulating capability in dc
apparatus. High resistivity reflects low content of free ions and ion-forming
particles, and normally indicates a low concentration of conductive
contaminants.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of weight of a given volume of material to the
weight of an equal volume of water. Weight divided by specific gravity equals
volume. In the majority of cases, because the specific gravity of silicone
grease is very close to that of water (S.P.=1), weight is equal to volume; i.e.
1 gram equals 1 cc.
Thermal Conductivity
The rate at which heat flows through a medium. Expressed as
BTU per hour per sq. ft. per F per ft.
Volatility
The weight of liquid lost when a material is held at a
specified elevated temperature for a specified period of time.
Volume Resistivity
The electrical resistance between opposite faces of a 1
centimeter cube of the dielectric compound. Expressed as ohm-centimeters.
Water Washout
The amount of lubricating grease washed out of a ball bearing
in 1 hour by a stream of water at 38C (100F) measured as a %.
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