A method of manufacturing an overbased calcium sulfonate grease comprising a reduced amount of overbased calcium sulfonate, water and at least one non-aqueous converting agent, where at least a portion of the non-aqueous converting agent is added after one or more delay periods relative to the addition of the water. A delay period may involve the period of time it takes to adjust the temperature of the mixture, a period of time during which the mixture is held at a temperature or within a range of temperatures, and multiples and any combination thereof. These calcium sulfonate greases have improved thickener yield and high dropping points compared to greases of substantially similar composition made without a delay between the additions of water and a non-aqueous converting agent, particularly when a poor quality overbased calcium sulfonate is used.

An extremely rheopectic sulfonate-based grease composition and method comprising adding overbased calcium sulfonate, overbased magnesium sulfonate, and a facilitating acid, using a particular type of overbased calcium sulfonate and/or methods for adding overbased calcium sulfonate relative to the magnesium sulfonate and facilitating acid to favor the reaction between the magnesium sulfonate and facilitating acid. A preferred overbased calcium sulfonate comprises benzene rings having multiple alkyl groups. Preferred methods comprise (1) adding all calcium sulfonate after adding the magnesium sulfonate and facilitating acid, (2) adding a first portion of calcium sulfonate with the magnesium sulfonate before adding the facilitating acid and a second portion of calcium sulfonate after the facilitating acid, and/or (3) one or more calcium sulfonate delay periods relative to adding the facilitating acid. The extremely rheopectic grease is fluid and pourable and only takes on a grease structure after milling or shearing.

The present application relates to polyurea/calcium sulfonate complex grease composition for use in constant velocity joints. The invention discloses a lubricating grease with thixotropy and a preparation method thereof. The lubricating grease comprises a polyurea/high base number calcium sulfonate composite thickener, colloidally dispersed calcium carbonate solid particles in the form of calcite, a calcium borate or calcium borate composite, a calcium soap of fatty acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms, an organic molybdenum compound, and an antioxidant. The above components are uniformly dispersed in an oil phase medium. The content of high base number calcium sulfonate in the lubricating grease is less than 22 wt %.

A sulfonate-based grease composition and method of manufacture comprising the addition of one or more glycerol derivatives. The glycerol derivative acts to optimally disperse the thickener in the grease such that the conventional step of milling the grease may not be needed. The glycerol derivative reacts with water to form in-situ complexing acids, which may replace at least some of the normally used complexing acids for reacting with calcium containing bases. The greases according to preferred embodiments have a high dropping point, improved thickener yield, and faster conversion time.

A lubricating grease is formed by a method including preparing a lithium formulation and cooling the lithium formulation to about 175 degree Celsius ( C.). The method includes preparing a calcium sulfonate formulation and combining the lithium formulation and the calcium sulfonate formulation in proportions appropriate to the desired performance criteria. The method includes mixing the lithium formulation and the calcium sulfonate formulation.

This invention relates to overbased calcium sulfonate complex grease compositions prepared without boric acid and alcohol promotors containing anti-wear, anti-friction, thermal & oxidation stability additives.