WD-40 - what is it? WD-40 grease: technical data, composition and application

How to quickly get rid of a rusty coating on a metal surface? Along with the mechanical treatment, there are chemical agents that successfully solve this problem. The most popular of these is the WD-40. What is the ideal technical aerosol or the result of a competent company to popularize the product?

History of creation

As a result of searching for the optimal composition of technical aerosol with a wide range of applications, California company Rocket Chemical Company introduced a new product in 1958, such as WD-40 lubricant. The first years of sales were not particularly successful - the market was not yet ready to accept this product. However, after a successful contract with the company that dealt with the processing of NASA missiles, the situation changed radically.

Taking advantage of this, the management of the manufacturing company has developed a fundamentally new strategy of conquering the market. It was based on three components that are still in force.

1. Secret composition. A complete list of WD-40 components is still unknown. What this is and what the aerosol consists of is known only in the manufacturer company.
2. Versatility. The product protects the surface from rust, removes corrosion attack, helps reduce the friction coefficient in the moving parts of the mechanisms.
3. Safety for human health in use.

As a result, aerosol was widely used not only in the US, but also throughout the world. For today in a set of each motorist and house master it is possible to meet a balloon with WD-40.

Composition: Myths and Reality

Despite the secrecy of the main ingredients of the aerosol, attempts are still being made to identify all the components. As mentioned above, the exact composition of the WD-40 is known only to the manufacturer. However, based on numerous studies, the following components were identified.

1. White Spirit. As a percentage of the total, it takes up to 50%.
2. Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ). It is necessary for the formation of a dispersed jet during application.
3. Complex composition of carbohydrates.

The latter are of greatest interest to researchers, since their composition is still unclear. Virtually all of them are of plant origin, and their effect on aerosol properties has not been fully understood. However, for the consumer these subtleties do not matter. The knowledge of what the WD-40 is made of, what it is, is not a priority. More interesting are its properties. They determine the scope of application.

Aerosol properties

Initially, the nebulizer was developed as an effective preparation for removing rust on the metal surface. This function is even included in its name - Water Displacement (moisture displacer). As a result of this action, the oxide formation decomposes, and at the same time a thin protective film is obtained.

However, these are not all the properties that WD-40 grease possesses. Technical characteristics indicate the following aerosol possibilities.

1. High penetrating ability. Due to the presence of "white gasoline" grease fills all microcracks and external irregularities, forming a protective layer.
2. Removal of many building and finishing materials from the metal surface.
3. It helps to reduce wear of moving mechanisms with constant spraying.

However, along with this aerosol is extremely flammable. When spraying and storing, observe the safety rules.

Areas of use

In the early years of its appearance, there was a narrow specialization of the WD-40. The use of aerosol was limited to applying a protective anticorrosive layer. However, other, equally useful features of the product were gradually identified. Expanding the field of application has become a fundamental factor in the rapid popularity of aerosol.

At present, the following works can be distinguished with which the lubricant successfully copes:

• Dehydration of the surface;
• Removal of corrosion;
• Formation of a protective film.

Each of them should be considered in more detail, with examples of practical application. For those who first encountered the WD-40, this information will be useful.

Cleaning from rust

The process of formation of an oxide layer on the surface of metals is inevitable. As a result of exposure to oxygen, oxidation occurs, which can lead to irreparable damage to the surface of the part or mechanism.

Most often this problem is faced by motorists - the periodic wetting of the steel elements of the machine, even with a protective layer, leads to the appearance of a small rust. If you do not take measures to eliminate it, then over time the problem will only increase. When the aerosol is sprayed, the corrosive layer is softened. After that, with the help of rags, remove the rust residue and apply another protective layer of WD-40.

The advantages of the application are a special nozzle. A thin plastic tube makes it possible to process hard-to-reach parts and elements of the car. This technology can be used for any metal parts - door hinges, locks, etc.

Corrosion protection

Equally effective, the WD-40 performs surface protection functions. Due to its high permeability, the composition easily fills even small defects in metal - microcracks and irregularities. In this case, a reliable protective layer is formed, which prevents exposure to oxygen.

However, over time, it quickly disappears. Therefore, the parts must be periodically re-processed. Regularity is determined by the operational properties of the surface, the effect of moisture, mechanical wear and the presence of other protective coatings. Some sources refer to attempts to replace the galvanic treatment of metal with a layer of aerosol. Despite the fact that the protective properties of the former were high, the need for constant renovation became unprofitable financially.

Eliminating sticking mechanisms

With prolonged stagnation of any device with contacting moving parts, their molecular adhesion inevitably occurs. In everyday life, this can be observed with the example of conventional door hinges. If they have not been used for a long time, then during their movement a characteristic creak is formed. To eliminate it, the WD-40 tool is used. What is it, know not by hearsay the master of furniture repair. Aerosol is a mandatory set of their tools.

When the lubricant acts on the part, moisture is removed, resulting in the resulting molecular bonds being destroyed. At the same time, the corrosive layer is eliminated. In addition to the above examples, effective removal of sticking with aerosol will be productive in the cases described below.

1. Household application - processing of moving mechanisms of cranes, loops and locks.
2. Industrial machines and units. When the equipment is re-opened after a long period of inactivity.
3. Car service. This is the widest range of applications - from the lubrication of the chassis and ending with the formation of a protective layer on the engine cover.

However, along with this, there are non-standard situations that have been identified experimentally by consumers.

Unusual methods of application

Fantasy and natural wit became the basis for the emergence of very unusual areas of application WD-40. Some of them were revealed as a result of analysis of the properties of the lubricant. Others became a frank discovery - accidental spraying led to a completely unexpected result.

1. The stuck ring. Everyone knows the situation when, as a result of long wearing, this integral part of jewelry does not want to be removed. A small spray of aerosol is enough, and the ring will leave your finger without problems.
2. Grinding of the flooring. Appearing scuffs and stains on the parquet or tile can be effectively removed with the help of WD-40.
3. Surface treatment of shoes. In rainy weather, apply a little grease to the surface of the shoe - this will form an effective water-repellent film.
4. Freezing of windows. Spraying a small layer of aerosol on the glass will prevent their contamination. In addition, freezing is almost completely excluded.

This is only a small part of the practical applications of the WD-40. What is it really a universal means or a state of wishful thinking? We can say only one thing: all the above examples are effective and tested in practice.

Restrictions on the use

Despite the apparent universality, there are strict rules for the use of the tool. Do not spray the aerosol into the eyes or mucous membranes. In addition, there are a number of materials that are destroyed by the action of the lubricant: polycarbonate, pure polystyrene.

As a result of even a short-term exposure to aerosol, irreversible destructive processes occur.