NEOL’s copper technology
Extensive research has led NEOL to develop CuGlide – our ground-breaking copper filming technology that eliminates hydrogen wear.
Rather than allowing uncontrolled hydrogen invasion of the friction surface, CuGlide’s additive technology first uses its properties to “polish” the friction surface at the elementary level, then terminates the hydrogen wear with copper ions.
Electrochemical properties of copper ions are used to restore and protect the friction surface, the phenomena known as “the wearlessness effect”.
A. Hydrogen displaces steel molecules, accelerating the wear of machine parts.
B. Copper ions are embedded in the crystal lattice of iron in iron-containing alloys, thereby “healing” damaged areas. They gradually form an even copper film covering an entire surface, at which point continued wear virtually ceases.
The key to improved performance
With CuGlide technology, a copper film covers the machine parts’ surface, effectively “healing” any existing defects.
Additionally, as copper doesn’t react with hydrogen, the parts are protected against hydrogen wear.
As a result, friction is reduced, wear is eliminated, and the machine lifespan and operational performance increases.
NEOL research
Our CuGlide technology is built on groundbreaking research started by a group of Soviet engineering tribologists in the 1950s and continued to this day.
They found that it was hydrogen wear, not mechanical attrition, that was responsible for the majority of metal surface deterioration – as hydrogen displaces steel molecules, thereby accelerating the wear of machine parts.
Our tribology experts have taken advantage of this discovery, using it to develop additives that control the hydrogen invasion of the friction surface.
What is tribology?
Tribology is the science of wear, friction and lubrication. It encompasses the frictional properties and wear behaviour of surfaces in relative motion across both natural and artificial systems.
For NEOL, tribology is at the heart of our product development, providing us with an outstanding solution to the centuries-old challenge of machine wear.
The benefits of NEOL
Preserving the ecosystem through non-conventional composition
What sets NEOL apart is our commitment to safety and sustainability. Our proprietary additive package uses organic copper salts instead of toxic phosphorus and sulphur compounds. This unique composition doesn’t acidify and, therefore, doesn’t require a high base content or generate excessive amounts of sulphated ash. As a result, used NEOL oil is easily recyclable and, in some cases, fully biodegradable.
To find out more about the science behind NEOL’s CuGlide technology, or for further insight into its real-world applications, take a look at our videos below or follow the link to our YouTube channel to find out more.
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