Why should I choose Moly vs. Graphite?
- Moly has an ability to adhere to the surface of most bearing materials.
- Moly sustains higher loads.
- If the surface of the metal is scored or damaged due to abnormal wear, moly tends to repair the surface. (See No. 1)
- During break-in, moly allows for metal deformation with a minimum of "chopping off" of asperities that would otherwise occur.
- Moly has a lower coefficient of friction.
On which metals does Moly work?
Moly works well on steel, bronze and brass materials (iron and copper base alloys). Its effectiveness is less on titanium and aluminum as a grease. However, used as a bonded spray or paste, it works fine.
Moly and the Earth?
When thinking of the surface of metal, bearings have peaks and valleys. An example is the earth. If a ball bearing were enlarged to the size of the earth, its surface would look like that of the earth. In terms of lubrication the tops of the mountains are called asperities. Friction takes place when the "mountain tops" of one surface come into contact with the mountain tops of the other surface to the extent that causes a small to large "top" of the mountain to break away. At the microscopic level of asperities, the tops of the two opposing mountain tops weld together more or less, depending on pressures and other factors, and then break apart. The breaking apart creates friction. Once apart, wear has taken place, not to mention the existence of microscopic particles freely moving about in the grease or oil to act as an abrasive.
Because of the physical nature of moly it fills in the valleys and covers the peaks, plating out, to prevent metal-to-metal contact or to minimize it.
The benefits of moly's unique capability show up in numerous ways according to the application.
How much moly do I need for benefits?
Depends on the application. The content of moly in lubricants ranges from 0.10% of the lubricant to 70.0% of the total weight. Usually, the content of moly relates directly to requirements of the application and the price a buyer is willing to pay. The more moly (i.e. benefits) the higher the cost.
How soon do I see benefits?
In time. It takes time for the moly to work into the pores of the metal and to plate out over the bearing sliding surfaces.
How do I know what's right for my application?
The answer is too involved for a short answer.
Can I use it one time and return to my regular grease or oil?
No. Moly does wear off of the surface of metals (although less so when thoroughly deposited into the pores of the metal).
Are the benefits of moly available in all types of lubrication?
Almost. Moly works best in lubricants for ferrous and copper/copper-alloy metals, less so for aluminum and titanium except for thread compounds.
What is a normal percent of content?
Depends on the manufacturer's formula. Generally speaking, oils have from 0.30% to 1.00% of moly by weight; greases have from 1.00% to 20.00% of moly by weight. Moly thread compounds contain still more.
Is all moly the same?
Depends of the definition of moly. "Pure moly" for lubrication is MoS2.
How does moly react with other chemicals?
Moly is inert. It doesn't react. Strong oxidizing acids will decompose it, however.
I've heard moly builds up. Does it?
No. Typically, moly films are less than 2 micrometers (79 millionth of an inch) thick.
What is the temperature range of moly?
From a practical stand point, there is no low limit, but the upper limit is 700°F. After that, in the presence of heat and oxygen, it changes to MoO3 (still with some lubricating properties).
Why are moly products expensive?
Because moly is expensive to produce -- costs about six times more than graphite.
Can I mix greases or oils with moly?
Moly has no affect. Other factors are the consideration.
Does moly conduct electricity?
No, in a practical sense. (Yes, scientifically. It is a semi-conductor.)
Is moly a metal?
No.
Where does moly come from?
Molybdenite Ore, mined in the United States, Canada, China Mexico and other countries to a lesser extent.
Some manufacturers claim moly in motor oil increases gas mileage. Is this true?
There is research under laboratory conditions to support the claim. In the past fleet tests have provided evidence of the claim. T.S. Moly has anecdotal reports on its products to that effect, but T.S. Moly-Lubricants, Inc. does not have its own in-house proof supported by a scientific research. Even after conducting a test, it is questionable to make claims that will be valid in applications in the "real world" because of the large number of differences between conditions in the laboratory and "in the field". The moly used in motor oil should be colloidal to avoid settling out.
Is moly avaliable as a powder?
Yes. We sell it.
What is powder used for?
Industry uses it as a lubricant in specific and specialized applications. Two popular uses by consumers are: to lubricate the axle of "pinewood soap box cars", and gun enthusiats use it to coat bullets.
I hear that moly will cause microscopic stress factors in stainless steel. Is this true?
Yes, at about 1,500°F.
Will oil filters filter out the moly in Moly Motor Eze and Guard Dog Super Moly Treatment for Motor Oil?
Unlikely. One large manufacturer of oil filters for passenger cars in the U.S. has informed us that the filters are rated at 10 microns. The size of particles in T.S. Moly's additives to motor oil is 8 microns and less, with the average size being 1-2 microns.