Thursday Bios

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2520

Thursday, June 12

Suggestion of “New Low-Torque Bearing Grease Friction reduction and energy saving have become of increasing importance for various types of cars and machines as part of an ongoing global effort to reduce CO2 emissions for a carbon neutral society.

Since a number of bearings are used in the cars and machines, a reduction in the torque and friction of bearings can significantly improve the fuel/electric efficiency of cars and the energy-saving rate of machine systems.

The use of a grease to reduce bearing torque has so far studied: for example, a base oil with low viscosity was employed to decrease viscous rolling resistance and grease churning resistance. However, a low viscosity base oil is associated with a decrease in the oil film thickness and often shortens bearing life and therefore torque reduction can hardly be compatible with bearing durability.

This paper focuses on the development of a new grease formulated with a special thickener that is expected to achieve effective torque reduction while not disturbing bearing durability.

Hiroyuki Saito graduated from the Graduate School of Engineering, Iwate University in March and joined Kyodo Yushi in April 2009. After learning the fundamentals of lubricants and grease evaluation, he was primarily engaged in the development of highly efficient long-life cutting fluids for metal cutting/perforating machines. He has been involved in the development of greases used for an automotive hub unit and a bearing since April 2018.

His current research interests include the development of an environmentally friendly grease to respond the global trend towards automotive electrification for a sustainable society by addressing lubrication technology challenges.

Michitaka Yoshihara graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University and joined Kyodo Yushi in 2006. He was primarily engaged in the development of CV joint greases for the first eight years and had participated in an observational study on the fiber structure of grease thickeners since 2014.

He is currently involved in the development of greases used for an automotive hub unit and a large equipment bearing, specifically a low torque grease to ensure high fuel/electric efficiency and a long-life maintenance-free grease that contribute to the reduction of environmental load.

Ryotaro Mizutani graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Tokai University and joined Kyodo Yushi in 2022, where he learnt the fundamentals of grease evaluation. He has been participating in the development of greases used for an automotive hub unit and a bearing since 2023. His current research interests include exploiting the performance improvement potential of greases through the development of a low torque grease to ensure high fuel/electric efficiency and a long-life grease.

- 76 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2507

Thursday, June 12

Bioderived EAL Overbased Calcium Sulphonate Greases - Manufacture a Mineral Oil-Free OCaS and Its Application Areas Motivation – continuing the road away from Lithium The road away from lithium was chosen to also reach the next level in terms of high performance for EAL greases. The PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) thought came as a secondary side effect after identifying CO2 hotspots in existing EAL greases based on lithium.

Process & Formulation – CO2 as raw material, consequently adjustment in production processes is necessary Aspects of requirements for manufacturing a mineral oil-free overbased Calcium Sulphonate are presented: - CO2 is used as raw material in an environment with bio-derived esters - Classic kettle equipment for grease production must be adjusted - Finished grease production Carbon Footprint & Environment – significant improvement w/o Lithium and less energy Some aspects of impacting PCF hotspots are explained: - Bio-derived Ester vs. mineral oil - Calcium Sulphonate vs. Lithium - Energy saving due to exothermic reaction Environmental safety with EU Ecolabel certification and VGP compliance is ensured.

Application & Performance – what is already proofed or tested?

Different grease versions, formulations are tested or in tests. Application characteristics and challenges are going to be discussed.

The test results of the different grease formulations are reviewed for the following applications: • Mining – a HPM version used for lubricating heavy equipment • Wire ropes (marine) – Lubricating system and use phase • Construction – field test results for excavator swing gears • Construction – field test results for hydraulic hammers • Rail – field test and lab results for switches In the 1990s, Ulf Gardenier studied physics and business administration at the University of Aachen, completing his two courses with diploma theses on laser-optics and maintenance processes on freight-cars. Meanwhile, Ulf looks back on a 25-year journey in the consultancy area. He started his career at SIEMENS as an SAP consultant in the growing tide of business process-driven projects of large industrial companies motivated by the year 2000. Later, as a key account manager, he was responsible for his company’s business with several global customers. In early 2022, Ulf decided to completely change his previous career path and joined KAJO, a German manufacturer of lubricating greases and oils. The challenge of entering the North American market with new innovative products was the main motivation for this move. He now heads KAJO North America Inc. located in Charlotte as managing director.

Markus John has a PHD in organic chemistry. He is 58 years old and lives with his family in Anroechte, NorthRhine Westphalia, Germany. From 1999 to 2013, he was a division manager in a company that develops and manufactures products for chemical analysis. Since 2014, he has headed the laboratory department at KAJO GmbH. The company has a wide competence in mineral oil-based lubricants and greases but is a leader in the field of biodegradable lubricants. These include hydraulic fluids, chainsaw, stern tube, and gear oils made from renewable raw materials. The KAJO GmbH has also developed biodegradable lubricating greases based on lithium, lithium complex, lithium / calcium and calcium sulphonate complex thickeners. The development of new products in all these areas is part of Dr. John’s current responsibility.

Martin Maaß gained several years of experience in the biotech industry before joining the lubricant family in 2007, working in various roles for BP / Castrol. His focus is on lubricating greases, from their development to the applications in which they are used. In 2021, Martin moved to KAJO, a German manufacturer of lubricating greases and oils. The challenge of becoming more active in the field of bio-lubricants and establishing new, innovative products on the market was the main motivation for this move.

- 77 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2527

Thursday, June 12

Advancing Tribological Material Characteristics Using Nanotechnology Based Lubricating Greases This study explores the synergistic integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) as nano additives to enhance the tribological performance of commercial Type II lubricating grease, composed of a synthetic ester oil and clay thickener. By leveraging the unique properties of CNTs and BNNS—including high mechanical strength, superior thermal conductivity, and exceptional thermal stability—the hybrid additives aim to reduce friction and wear under high-load working conditions. The hybrid additives were uniformly dispersed into the grease matrix via high-shear mixing using a three-roll mill, ensuring stability and compatibility over a range of temperatures. Rheology evaluation revealed that the addition of nano additives had no negative impact on the viscosity of the base grease. Tribological evaluations conducted via a block-on-ring tribometer under oscillatory motion demonstrated up to a 22% reduction in the coefficient of friction and a 28% decrease in block wear loss compared to the base grease. Surface characterization of worn substrates revealed the formation of a robust tribofilm, attributed to the synergistic interaction of CNTs, which act as load-bearing reinforcements, and BNNS, which provide low-shear sliding layers. Furthermore, the nano additives exhibited negligible aggregation over time, ensuring long-term dispersion efficacy and consistent lubricating performance. The study underscores the practicality of nanomaterial-enhanced greases for applications in high-end automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace systems, where reduced friction and wear resistance are critical.

This investigation offers a scalable strategy to extend critical component lifespans, reduce energy consumption, and improve performance in mechanical systems.

Dr. Greg Christensen has more than 11 years of research experience in carbon nanomaterials, polymers, nanofluids, and self-assembly of nano-based materials. Dr. Christensen earned a Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering and holds a master’s degree in physical chemistry. Dr. Christensen has been awarded 5 patents including technologies such as electrically conductive aircraft coatings, Li-ion batteries, nano grease and oil lubricants, thermally conductive grease and memristor, or nano memory device. All his patents are licensed to commercial companies. Dr. Christensen has authored or co-authored more than fifteen research publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals or conference proceedings.

Dr. Ding Lou earned his Ph.D. degree in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering in 2023. Dr. Lou has authored/coauthored more than 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings, and one book chapter. Dr. Lou’s primary research interests include lubricating and thermal greases, nanofluids, polymer nanocomposites, and phase change materials. His expertise is in nanomaterials synthesis, materials characterization, nanocomposites fabrication, and thermal, electrical, and electrochemical properties evaluation. Dr. Lou’s current projects include nanotechnology-based lubricating greases, engine oil additives, thermal greases, and polymer nanocomposites in various applications.

Dr. Craig Bailey is a Minnesota farm boy who worked his way through degrees in toolmaking (Anoka Technical College), psychology (University of Minnesota), business management (University of St. Thomas), and education (University of South Dakota). He is an Air Force veteran, past president of Western Dakota Technical College.

Dr. Bailey is a successful business leader and has more than thirty years’ experience in product development, commercialization, and transition of technology applications. Dr. Bailey has coauthored six peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings related to nano oil, grease, and composites, and has been awarded one US patent in nano lubricant.

- 78 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2525

Thursday, June 12

History in the Making of Grease - A Report on First Batches Mineral-Oil-Based Grease Using Microwaves in a Modified Traditional Grease Kettle On May 21st and 22nd, 2024 - Patterson Industries Canada along with guidance of US-based Schaeffer Manufacturing Company and WaveTek Process Technology, LLC produced the first two batches of mineral- oil-based grease using microwave technology heating in a modified conventional Grease Kettle.

This presentation will describe important patented details that have been adapted to the conventional Kettle which enables the microwave heating to work. It describes the planning and preparation that was developed prior to the starting of the batches; as well as presenting the data that was collected during the entire two batches. This data will show rate of heating efficiency, temperature recordings of the equipment, and other feedback information during the process. In addition to the performance data on the grease vessel, the data will include inspection data collected during the process and of the final grease produced.

The report will also include setbacks associated with the initial batches and lessons and insight gained during this process. To truly assess the efficiency and savings associated with this new technology, more data on many more future batches will be needed.

But we hope that a presentation of the data and safety experienced to date will be insightful to the NLGI attendees.

Furthermore, it is firmly understood that the presentation of a paper at NLGI is not permitted to be a “commercial” for the company making the presentation. We believe that this report and its associated presentation will offer attendees further insight into Microwave Grease Making process. Previous presentation on this subject by ELM/WaveTek were primarily focused in biobased grease production. This presentation will offer a different experience due to the fact that the grease produced was mineral-based oil instead of bio-based oils.

This abstract represents the first proposed presentation by Patterson Industries Canada in our history of attending the NLGI Annual General Meeting and we greatly appreciate the opportunity.

Scott Dunsmoor is President of All-Weld Company Limited and its affiliates Patterson Industries Canada and Aurora Filters. He is a graduate of University of Western Ontario BESc – Mechanical Engineering in 1989.

All-Weld was founded in 1920. Scott and his brother, Jim, represent third-generation ownership of the company after their grandfather William S. Dunsmoor purchased the company from the founder, John Sharp’s estate, after John’s passing in 1961. Both Scott and Jim have worked at All-Weld their entire working careers in various functions and responsibilities within the company.

All-Weld is a custom steel fabricator of industrial processing equipment. Our expertise is primarily in pressure vessels but we have a wide range of experience in equipment in a diverse range of industries.

All-Weld acquired Patterson Industries Canada in 2012 and has been an annual attendee and tabletop presenter at NLGI ever since. Our affiliation with NLGI stems from the supply of grease kettles and grease base reactors to customers around the world.

Scott is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Professional Engineers of Ontario and Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.

- 79 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2518

Thursday, June 12

Anhydrous Calcium Grease – A Sustainable Alternative to Lithium Grease Lithium-based multi-purpose grease has been the industry standard for over half a century, accounting for the largest share of the global lubricating grease market. Its widespread use is primarily attributed to its well-balanced performance, making it suitable for diverse applications, coupled with historical cost-effectiveness. While the grease industry has traditionally evolved slowly, a significant shift is now underway. Lithium grease is facing increasing scrutiny, with alternative technologies gaining traction. The driving forces can be found in four main areas: security of supply, cost fluctuations, safety concerns, and sustainability.

The growing demand for lithium in battery production will continue to create challenges for the grease industry, including price volatility and uncertainties in securing sufficient supply. Additionally, environmental concerns surrounding lithium extraction and potential regulatory classifications of lithium salts as reproductive toxins add further pressure. Given these challenges, a critical question emerges: Can lithium-based grease be replaced by a thickener technology with more favorable characteristics?

This study compares the technologies behind simple lithium and anhydrous calcium thickeners, evaluating their base performance independent of additives. The analysis highlights key differences between these thickeners, particularly in bearing applications, while also assessing their respective carbon footprints from a cradle-to-gate perspective. By considering various end-use scenarios, the study demonstrates the sustainability and total cost of ownership advantages associated with anhydrous calcium technology.

Johan Leckner has an MS and PhD in chemical engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. He worked for six years as a researcher, first at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and then at Chalmers University of Technology. In 2009, he joined Axel Christiernsson International as Senior Development engineer, and since 2016, he has been working as Group Technical Manager. Since 2021, Johan is also parttime Professor in Lubricant Design at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

- 80 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2515

Thursday, June 12

Analysis and Comparison of Lithium and Polyurea Grease Microstructure in the Presence and Absence of Base Oil Interest in polyurea greases has increased since the battery market has increased in output, driving up lithium prices. Consumers are looking for less expensive and more available options to thicken their greases without sacrificing performance. Preformed thickeners have increased in popularity in the grease industry to meet the growing demand for safe, easy to make polyurea based greases. Lithium greases are extensively studied in the literature. This presentation aims to present the comparison of the microstructure of lithium based greases against in-situ thickened and pre-form thickened polyurea based greases.

We use cryo-SEM-FIB and TEM imaging to understand the grease microstructures with and without base oils. Discussion of methods and challenges to obtaining good images will be discussed. We present Li-stearate grease with base oil present imaged

by TEM for the first time.

Lauren Huffman is the Application Technology Leader for Lubricants at Dow Chemical in Midland, MI. She received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 2009. After a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at NIST, she joined Dow in 2011. In her 12 years at Dow, Lauren has worked on process scale up of agricultural and electronics industries molecules and technical service for specialty lubricants. She joined the Dow Industrial Solutions Lubricants business in 2016 and obtained her CLS in 2019.

Lauren is active in NLGI, STLE, and ASTM. Matthew Thorseth is a Research Scientist in the Surface and Interface Characterization group of Dow Chemical’s Analytical Sciences. Matthew received his B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. After graduate school, he joined Dow Chemical’s Electronic Materials and worked on Cu electroplating chemistries for five years before transitioning to Analytical where he specializes in Scanning Electron and Focused Ion Beam Microscopies. Matthew is an active member of the Microscopy Society of America and it’s Focused Ion Beam Focused Interest Group, the Electrochemical Society, and the American Chemical Society.

Cindy Liu is a Research Scientist for performance lubricants at Dow Industrial Solutions. Cindy earned PhD in Polymer Engineering from the University of Akron in 2013 and a bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology. She has worked on analytical and R&D roles in manufacturing industries, and her focus in recent five years has been industrial lubricants especially greases.

Cindy has served in Society of Tribologists and Lubricant Engineers (STLE) Grease Committee since 2019 and host seminar sessions during annual meetings. She is a peer reviewer for journals Polymer and Journal of Tribology.

Kevin Capaldo is a process engineer focused on scale-up and process development of new products for Dow Chemical’s Industrial Solutions and Polyurethane businesses. He has done work in areas of grease thickeners, synthetic leather, crude oil wax inhibitors, paint coalescents, and wood treatment. Process expertise includes continuous mechanical dispersion using extruders and in-line mixers, as well as ion exchange finishing for catalyst removal from alkoxylate products.

Prior to this role, Kevin led scale-up efforts in of Dow’s CIGS thin film photovoltaic process.

Kevin joined Dow in 2008 with 9 years of experience from GE Plastics in Mt. Vernon, IN where he developed processes for Low Stress Optical film products for LCD displays.

Kevin holds a Doctorate degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, and a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is an author on 12 publications and 16 issued patents.

- 81 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS Jocelyn Zhao is a Project Leader in Grease Technology based at the Shell Technology Center in Shanghai, China. She holds a MS in Oil & Gas Storage and Transportation Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai. She has worked for lubricant industrial since 2014.

Her research focuses on lubricant products development including lubricant grease, polyalkylene glycol base oil and alkoxylation additives for Wind Turbine, Robotics, Auto Components, Metal and Bearing applications. She is a member of CLGI. She has given presentation at CLGI, STLE, F+L Week, China Inter Lubric etc.

Edward Worthington is based in Hamburg Germany at the Shell Global Solutions site.

Dr. Wibke Husstedt is a Senior Project Lead in Grease Technology based at the Shell Technology Center in Hamburg, Germany. She started her career with Shell in 2011 after achieving her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, focusing on organofluorine chemistry, from the University of Münster, Germany.

Throughout her 14-year career with Shell’s Grease R&D team, she has exhibited extensive technical proficiency by addressing diverse aspects of grease manufacturing and product development. Her work spans critical sectors including aviation, industrial applications, and mining.

- 82 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2519

Thursday, June 12

Reliability Aspects of Lubricating Greases: A Future-Proof Multidimensional Approach Reliability. An essential concept word, yet with many references: - Reliability: the overall consistency of a measurement. It relates to the amount of random error from the measurement process.

- Reliability: the ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified time. It is a non-linear decaying probability function that depends on the failure rate and encompasses prediction, prevention, and costeffectiveness management as part of the so-called reliability/lifetime engineering.

A lubricating grease should provide evidence of reliability in terms of the typical characteristics combined with the protocols employed and within the context of a trouble-free service life when utilized appropriately. In that sense, reliability represents a multidimensional topic in lubricating greases that suppliers, manufacturers, and users must engage with to build efficiently.

Moreover, reliability in the sense of failure probability is not only a concept for technical applications. Reliability would also be expected from a sustainability perspective. Certification schemes, like HPM, may contribute to driving future reliability requirements. This study analyzes and discusses various aspects of grease reliability—contemporary and future—from stakeholders’ perspectives in the value chain. We highlight the primary requirements that emerge from this analysis. Additionally, we aim to establish a model that objectively evaluates lubricating greases’ reliability to shape the field’s next steps.

Dr. George S. Dodos has a Diploma and a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens in Greece. He is working with ELDON’S S.A. in research and development of new innovative products and sustainable lubrication solutions. He also holds a Research Associate position in the Laboratory of Fuel Technology and Lubricants in the National Technical University of Athens with his research activities focusing on sustainable and biobased fuels and lubricants. He has more than 100 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings on topics related to conventional and biobased lubricants and fuels. George has received the ELGI AGM Best Paper Award three times as well as the NLGI Author Award-Application. He is also an active member in the SAE Fuels and Lubricants Committee, and he acts as session organizer in the “Driveline Lubricants” session and lead session organizer in the recently formed “Lubricating Greases for Conventional and Electric Propulsion Systems” technical session (FFL 390). He is affiliated to several international organizations including ELGI, STLE, ASTM, SAE, ACS and IBBS. He chairs the joint ELGI/NLGI Biobased Greases WG and the End-of-Life TF in the ELGI STC.

- 83 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS Dr. Raj Shah has dedicated over 30 years to advancing innovation in greases, fuels, lubricants, and materials science. As a Director at Koehler Instrument Company in New York, he has played a key role in developing testing technologies that support industry standards worldwide. Recently honored with the ASTM Award of Merit (its highest honor), his contributions span tribology, petroleum engineering, and chemical analysis.

Recognized by his peers for his expertise, Dr. Shah has been elected a Fellow of a dozen distinguished professional organizations, including the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS), the Energy Institute (EI), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Institute of Physics (IOP), the American Institute of Chemists (AIC), the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI), and ASTM International.

Dr. Shah holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Chartered Engineer (Engineering Council, UK), Chartered Petroleum Engineer (Energy Institute), and Chartered Scientist (Science Council). He has also been recognized as an Eminent Engineer by Tau Beta Pi, the oldest engineering honor society in the United States.

Beyond his industry work, Dr. Shah remains committed to education and mentorship. He serves on advisory boards of Auburn University, Stony Brook University, SUNY Farmingdale, and Penn State University, supporting programs in engineering and tribology. As an Adjunct Professor for the last decade at State University of New York, Stony Brook, Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, he shares his knowledge with students and future professionals. Dr. Shah is the recipient of numerous ASTM, STLE and NLGI awards and served on NLGI board of directors for over a decade.

A recipient of the John Bellanti Meritorious Award from NLGI, Dr. Shah has over 300 publications and recently coedited, a reference bestseller titled “Fuels and lubricants Handbook”, published by ASTM. Recently Dr. Shah was honored with an esteemed engineer designation by Tau Beta Pi, the highest engineering honor society in USA. Ms. Joud Altalag is a student of Chemical Engineering at state univ. of New York , Stony brook and part of an internship program that grooms students to be interested in the field of Lubrication and tribology.

Photo not available at press time.

Mr. Mathew Roshan is a student of Chemical Engineering at state univ. of New York , Stony brook and part of an internship program that grooms students to be interested in the field of Lubrication and tribology.

Photo not available at press time.

- 84 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS 2514

Thursday, June 12

Enhancing the Grease Performance with Right Selection of Polymers Lubrication in modern equipment, is becoming severe day by day due to harsher environmental conditions of load, temperature and water ingress as the power output to size ratio is increasing. These severe conditions pose a great challenge for lubrication.

It necessitates that the formulation should have the right additives in optimized dosages so that a synergistic performance of the grease is achieved to meet application requirements with maximum availability of the equipment.

In order to build a database of synergistic additive combinations, a systematic study has been initiated in the author’s laboratory so that cycle time for developing new greases may be reduced significantly. In this endeavour, study of different chemistry polymers in three greases – Lithium, Lithium Complex and Non-Lithium greases have been conducted. Polymer additives help in improving shear stability, water resistance and in enhancing tackiness and adhesiveness of the greases to remain in application area and also improves its performance as an effective sealant against contaminants like dust, dirt and moisture. Enhanced tackiness due to incorporation of the polymer in grease might be detrimental for low temperature characteristics e.g. flow pressure, low temperature torque etc and may pose a challenge during iuse in centralized lubrication system. So, there is a need to balance the polymer(s) chemistry and its dosages in such a way that it boosts shear stability & water resistance with minimal impact on other grease properties like pumpability. To achieve the set objectives, different chemistry of polymers – OCP, Grafted OCP, PIB, PMA etc. in different dosages have been studied individually and in combination. The present paper provides test results of this study.

This paper clearly reveals that the selection of right kind of polymer(s) in right dosage in balanced proportion is very important to impart the desired characteristics in the greases.

Rohit Kumar Agarwal has worked for more than 28 years in Grease Industry. He has spent major part of his career with Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited who are one of the leading manufacturers of greases in India .

Shri. Agarwal has worked in various capacities at Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited including Head of R&D , Head of Supply Chain Management as well as Head of Operations.

He is author of several papers presented in NLGI – IC chapters in 2006 , 2010 , 2013 and 2022 as well as author of paper presented at NLGI- USA in 2014.He has also presented papers in Mining conferences and the OTA conference at IICT Hyderabad.

He is credited with development of several low temperature greases for defense applications, biodegradable greases , biodegradable sugar mill compound , steel industry high temperature greases and lubricants as well as long life greases for automotive applications.

Shri. Agarwal has done his B.Tech in Oil Technology from HBTI Kanpur in 1995 and is currently working as Chief Technology officer at Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt. Ltd. Gurugram India Ripudaman Singh Negi is a Senior Engineer in the R&D department, Siddharth Grease & Lube Pvt. Ltd. specializing in the development of innovative and eco-friendly greases as well as multifunctional additives to address complex lubrication challenges.

He holds Ph.D. in Engineering Science from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-IIP), along with M. Tech in in Production Engineering and B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering. His innovative work has been recognized with the Best Paper Award at the 2022 Indian Analytical Congress.

- 85 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025

ABSTRACTS & BIOS Dr. Deepak Saxena is CTO (Lubes) at Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt Limited – a leading private label grease and lubricant manufacturing organization and having manufacturing plants in two strategic geographic locations India and Dubai.

Earlier, Dr Saxena superannuated as Executive Director (Lube Technology) from R&D Centre of Indian Oil Corporation Limited – a Fortune 500 company after serving for more than 34 years.

Holding a doctorate from IIT Roorkee (erstwhile University of Roorkee) in chemistry, Dr. Saxena has more than three decades of consecutive experience in the downstream hydrocarbons sector, notably in the areas of lubricant technology, fuels, additives and pipeline research. He has been instrumental in the development of fuel and energy efficient automotive & industrial oils / greases and fuel efficient high octane / cetane gasoline /diesel fuels with proven credentials.

Dr. Saxena has over 75 research publications in national/international journals and several granted patents to his credit. Dr Saxena has also served as nominee Director on Board of AVI OIL and Lubrizol India. He had also played active roles in Scientific Societies of SAE, NLGI-IC, ISFL and Tribology Society of India.

Sudhir Sachdeva did his Mechanical Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering in 1972. He joined his family business of lubricants marketing soon after his college. His entrepreneurial prowess driven him to venture into grease making in 1988 establishing Siddharth Petroproducts. Subsequently the company was rechristened to Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt Ltd with two grease plants in Delhi. Third generation of Sachdeva’s entered into grease making by establishing a state of the art lubricants company Trinity Lubes & Greases FZC in UAE in 2018.

He has been involved with NLGI India Chapter activities right from its inception and currently he is President of the NLGI-India Chapter since 2023. He received the Life-Time Achievement Award from NLGI India Chapter in 2015 and Golden Grease Gun award in 90th Annual Meeting of NLGI, USA for his contribution to the grease industry.

After gaining his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in CS Engineering from Warwick University, UK, Siddharth Sachdeva then went and gained his MBA from IIM in Bangalore, India. Further, he pursued a strategic marketing program from the University of Michigan, US. Using his education experience, Siddharth drove the technology changes within the family business and focused on corporate culture within the group upgrading the same to the level of being one of the great lubricant and grease companies worldwide. The group is known for its dedication and attention to detail which has brought the world’s greatest brands to their doors and they can boost customers such as Castrol, Shell, Mobil, Valvoline, Fuchs, Indian Oil, as well as Timken and SKF to name but a few.

With four plants in India the family looked to expand abroad and under Siddharth’s leadership the group built and commissioned their new pant in the UAE, a technological state-of-the-art lubricant and grease plant on the Inner Harbour of the Hamriyah Free Zone. This is the first of its kind in the region, being a fully automated, PLC controlled grease and lubricant plant run on ABB technology. Siddharth is married with two children and his wife Bhavika, plays a prominent and important role in the company next to Siddharth.

Being a natural sportsman, playing cricket, tennis and golf, he brings these competitive talents to the business to drive it forward.

He has become the “Face“ of the group, often invited to give keynote speeches at industry events. He is a great ambassador for the industry and the family business, making sure that it stays true to their credo of being the finest private label Grease and Lubricant manufacturer worldwide.

- 86 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 89, NUMBER 1 | March/April 2025