Greases are made of a metallic soap mixed with an oil because this combination creates a semi-solid lubricant that combines the lubricating properties of oils with the structure and stability provided by soaps.
Here’s how it works:
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Metallic soaps act as a thickener.
- A metallic soap is a compound formed by reacting a fatty acid with a metal hydroxide (such as lithium, calcium, sodium, or aluminum hydroxide).
- This reaction produces a fibrous or sponge-like structure that can trap and hold oil within it — much like a sponge holds water.