According to the historical accounts, it is said that as early as 2400 B.C. grease-like substance, oil and water were used as lubricant to reduce friction.
In a painted wall relief of an Egyptian Pharaoh’s tomb dated to around 2400 B.C., a worker is seen pouring lubricant (in this case, water) for moving statues.
Chariots from another Egyptian Pharaoh’s tomb dated to around 1400 B.C. are found with what seems an early form of grease derived from animal fat on the axle.
While there are evidences showing the use of natural asphalt, most of the lubricating oil used in these times was based on animal or vegetable fat. It was only in modern times when grease formulated with petroleum lubricating oil came into use.
around 1400 BC
Hittite chariots during the Pharaonic period were lubricated on the axle with a mixture of animal fat and limestone.
1845
Calcium grease using mineral oil, animal fat and limestone was invented in the U.S.
1853
Sodium grease using beef tallow and sodium was invented in UK.
1912
Grease (calcium-based) production started in Japan.
1942
Lithium grease was invented and rapidly came into wide use as multi-purpose grease.
1947
Kyodo Yushi started grease production.
1955
The world’s first urea grease was invented in the U.S.
1962
Aluminum complex grease was invented for high-temperature application.
TOP＞Basic Knowledge About Grease＞History Of Grease
