How to Choose High-Temperature Grease That Withstands 300°C: Thickener Types, Parameters, and Certifications
Selecting a high-temperature grease for bearings, gears, or automotive components is a constraint-driven decision: the grease must survive the operating temperature, resist water washout, handle extreme pressure, and carry the certifications your buyer demands. For procurement and engineering teams evaluating suppliers, the practical question is not whether high-temperature grease is needed, but which thickener chemistry, which performance parameters, and which compliance documents are verifiable. This article provides a specification-level overview of high-temperature grease categories, with reference to the product family from Hangzhou Xingang Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd. (XINGANG), a national high-tech enterprise established in 1993 that researches, develops, produces, and sells high-performance lubricating greases and industrial lubricants in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
High-Temperature Grease: What the Specification Sheet Must Tell You
A high-temperature grease is a lubricating grease formulated to maintain its structure and lubricating film at elevated operating temperatures, typically above 120°C. Unlike conventional greases that soften, oxidize, or leave carbon deposits, a high-temperature grease is defined by three measurable properties: dropping point, working temperature range, and extreme-pressure (EP) performance. The dropping point indicates the temperature at which the thickener structure collapses; the working temperature range defines the safe continuous operating window; and the EP value, often expressed as a weld load or PD value, indicates resistance to scoring under shock loads.
For buyers, the specification sheet is the first verification layer. A grease claiming high-temperature capability should state its thickener type (lithium complex, polyurea, or calcium sulfonate complex), its dropping point, its continuous working temperature range, and its EP value. These four parameters determine whether the grease is suitable for a steel mill bearing, an automotive wheel bearing, a gearbox, or a vibrating screen.
The Thickener Chemistry Behind High-Temperature Grease
The thickener is the backbone of any high-temperature grease. It determines the upper temperature limit, the water resistance, and the structural stability of the lubricant. Three thickener families dominate high-temperature applications: lithium complex, polyurea, and calcium sulfonate complex.
Lithium complex grease is the workhorse of the industry. It uses a lithium complex soap thickener combined with mineral oil, delivering a balanced profile of high dropping point, good mechanical stability, and moderate EP performance. According to global production data from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, lithium and lithium complex greases together accounted for 56.9% of global grease production in 2024, with lithium complex representing 18.6% of that share. This wide adoption is explained by its versatility: lithium complex grease operates across a broad temperature window, performs well under moderate to heavy loads, and is compatible with centralized lubrication systems.
Polyurea grease uses a polyurea thickener, which is ash-free and highly resistant to oxidation at elevated temperatures. Polyurea greases are increasingly specified for electric vehicle wheel bearings and turbine yaw drives because of their oxidation resistance across temperature cycles from -40°C to +180°C. Unlike soap-thickened greases, polyurea greases contain no metallic soaps, which means they do not contribute metal ions that can catalyze oil oxidation at high temperature. For applications demanding long grease life in sealed-for-life bearings, polyurea is a preferred chemistry.
Calcium sulfonate complex grease is the highest-performing thickener family for extreme conditions. It combines very high dropping point, exceptional water resistance, natural rust protection, and superior EP performance. Global production of calcium sulfonate grease grew by 7.7% in 2024, reflecting its increasing adoption in heavy-duty industrial applications where water washout and shock loading are common. The calcium sulfonate complex chemistry forms a microcrystalline structure that provides a self-healing lubricating film, which is particularly effective in mining, marine, and steel applications.
The choice among these three chemistries is not about which is absolute best, but which matches the application conditions. Lithium complex offers balanced cost and performance; polyurea offers oxidation resistance and cleanliness; calcium sulfonate complex offers maximum EP, water resistance, and high-temperature stability.
XINGANG High-Temperature Grease Product Family: Models and Parameters
XINGANG manufactures a complete high-temperature grease family covering all three major thickener chemistries. Each product line carries specific model designations and documented performance parameters.
Lithium Complex Grease – XG/HP and XG/HP-R
XINGANG Lithium Complex Grease is a high-temperature extreme-pressure lithium complex grease available in two model designations: XG/HP and XG/HP-R. It is formulated with lithium complex thickener and mineral oil. The documented working temperature range is -20°C to 180°C, the dropping point is 300°C, and the PD value is 315 kgf. The applicable industries are automobile and metallurgy. The product is designed to provide ultra-high dropping point for stable lubrication under high-temperature conditions, excellent extreme-pressure anti-wear properties to protect bearings and gears, wide temperature adaptability, and good oxidation resistance for long service life.
In a documented comparison with standard MP3 grease, XINGANG Lithium Complex Grease delivers a higher dropping point (180–195°C higher), high-temperature stability, low oil separation, non-coking properties, strong adhesion, and enhanced extreme-pressure/anti-wear performance. These properties make it suitable for iron & steel, metallurgy, and mining equipment. The stable lubricating film reduces friction power consumption and mechanical wear, and the longer grease replacement cycle reduces maintenance interventions and manual labor. Although the initial raw material cost per unit of grease is higher, total equipment maintenance costs over the service life are 15% to 20% lower than alternatives.
Polyurea Grease – XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, XG/U18
XINGANG High-Temperature Polyurea Grease is available in seven model designations: XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, and XG/U18. It is formulated with polyurea thickener and mineral or synthetic oil. The documented working temperature range is -20°C to 200°C, with a dropping point of 260°C. The applicable industries include metallurgy, chemical, textile, printing and dyeing, automobile, mine, oil field, coast defence, sugaring, paper making, and plastic. The product is designed to provide an ultra-high dropping point with excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance.
Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease – XG/C4 and XG/C5
XINGANG Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease is a high-temperature calcium sulfonate complex grease available in two model designations: XG/C4 and XG/C5. It is formulated with calcium sulfonate thickener and 150 BS oil. The documented working temperature range is -20°C to 250°C, the dropping point is 330°C, and the PD value is 500 kgf. The applicable industries are mining, machinery, and automotive. The product is designed to provide an ultra-high dropping point with excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, outstanding water resistance and rust protection, superior extreme-pressure anti-wear performance for heavy-load mechanical parts, and a long service cycle that reduces grease replenishment frequency.
For buyers comparing products by parameter, the key difference among XINGANG’s high-temperature grease family is the formulation. The core difference lies in the grease formulation, which delivers a higher dropping point, high-temperature stability, low oil separation, non-coking properties, strong adhesion, and enhanced extreme-pressure/anti-wear performance.
Certifications and Quality Standards for High-Temperature Grease
For procurement teams, certifications are the verifiable evidence of manufacturing capability and product consistency. XINGANG maintains a documented set of management system certifications covering its high-temperature grease product family.
The quality management system for lithium grease, polyurea grease, calcium sulfonate complex grease, and lithium complex grease is certified to ISO 9001:2015. The applicable standard for lithium grease is GB/T19001-2016 and ISO 9001:2015. The certification number is 07625Q2422R65, issued by Beijing ZhongRunXing Certification Co., Ltd.
Lithium grease is certified to ISO 14001:2015, with the applicable standard being GB/T24001-2016 and ISO14001:2015. The certification number is 07625E1532R6S, issued by Beijing ZhongRunXing Certification Co., Ltd.
The occupational health and safety management system is certified to ISO 45001:2018. The applicable standard is GB/T45001-2020 / ISO 45001:2018. This certification covers lithium grease (models XG/L1, XG/L2), polyurea grease (models XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, XG/U18), calcium sulfonate complex grease (models XG/C4, XG/C5), and lithium complex grease (models XG/HP, XG/HP-R). The certificate number for polyurea grease is 7625S1361R6S.
XINGANG also holds IATF 16949:2016 certification for the automotive industry, with certificate number 2024A3002, issued by China Jiuding Automotive Supplier Certification Co., Ltd. (CASC). The certification scope is design and manufacturing of lubricating oil, and it applies to all four high-temperature grease product lines. The IATF certification is particularly relevant for buyers in the automotive supply chain, as it provides evidence that the manufacturing process meets automotive industry quality requirements.
Application Scenarios: Where High-Temperature Grease Is Put to Work
High-temperature grease is not a single-purpose product. Its application scenarios span steel plants, automotive manufacturing, mining, and industrial machinery. The selection of thickener chemistry and performance grade must match the specific working conditions.
Iron and Steel Plants: XINGANG greases are suitable for lubrication system projects in iron and steel plants, which are characterized by high temperature, heavy load, impact load, and humid or water-splash environments. The product’s role in this scenario is to provide anti-wear, extreme pressure, high-temperature resistance, water resistance, and anti-rust protection. The product functions to extend oil change intervals and reduce downtime. These working conditions require grease that has good high-temperature thermal stability, strong anti-water washout performance, stable extreme-pressure anti-impact properties, low carbon residue after high-temperature aging, and no corrosion to metal substrates.
Continuous Casting and Rolling Mills: In a documented case involving large steel plants, metallurgical enterprises, and industrial equipment manufacturers, XINGANG grease was used for lubrication of bearings in continuous casting, rolling mills, kiln cars, gearboxes, conveyors, and vibrating screens. The project achieved reduced friction and wear, improved temperature resistance, water resistance, extended lubrication intervals, and enhanced equipment reliability. The case highlights include a stable grease structure under long-term high-temperature conditions, compatibility with centralized lubrication systems, and reduced enterprise maintenance costs. The grease provides extreme-pressure and anti-impact performance in high-temperature, heavy-load applications.
Automotive Applications: Lithium complex grease and calcium sulfonate complex grease are specified for automotive applications. The IATF 16949 certification provides the quality management framework for these products. In the broader market, the automotive segment captured 42.6% of the high-temperature grease market share in 2025, making it the largest application category globally. Polyurea greases are increasingly specified for electric vehicle wheel bearings and turbine yaw drives due to oxidation resistance across cycles from -40°C to +180°C.
Market Context and Industry Trends
The high-temperature grease market is growing. According to market data, the global high-temperature grease market was valued at approximately USD 28.04 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 48.71 billion by 2035. Asia Pacific led the market in 2025 with a 38% global share, driven by automotive manufacturing hubs.
Two structural trends are reshaping the industry. First, lithium prices surged 80% to 120% between 2021 and 2023, driving manufacturers to adopt polyurea and calcium sulfonate alternatives for high-temperature applications to avoid cost volatility. This explains the 7.7% global growth in calcium sulfonate grease production in 2024. Second, China’s finished lubricant exports rose by 10% to 260,000 metric tons in 2024, reflecting the growing reliance of Chinese manufacturers on overseas markets. XINGANG’s export markets include India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Peru, and other countries, aligning with the broader export trend.
For buyers, these trends mean two things: the supply base for high-temperature grease is increasingly global, and the availability of alternative thickener chemistries has expanded beyond the traditional lithium complex. A procurement decision should therefore be based on verified parameters and certifications, not just brand familiarity.
Comparison with Traditional Solutions and One Honest Limitation
Compared with standard multipurpose lithium grease (MP3 grade), high-temperature grease in the XINGANG family offers a measurable performance upgrade. According to the documented comparison, the formulation delivers a higher dropping point, high-temperature stability, low oil separation, non-coking properties, strong adhesion, and enhanced extreme-pressure/anti-wear performance, making it suitable for iron & steel, metallurgy, and mining equipment. The stable lubricating film reduces friction power consumption and mechanical wear, and the longer grease replacement cycle reduces maintenance interventions. Total equipment maintenance costs over the service life are 15% to 20% lower than alternatives, despite a higher initial raw material cost per unit.
The honest limitation is cost. The initial raw material cost per unit of high-temperature grease is higher than that of standard MP3 grease. For applications that do not operate at elevated temperatures, do not experience water washout, or do not carry heavy shock loads, a standard lithium grease with a working temperature range of -20°C to 120°C may be sufficient. High-temperature grease is an investment justified by the operating conditions and the maintenance cost reduction over the service life, not by upfront unit price alone.
Selection Criteria for High-Temperature Bearing Grease
For procurement engineers evaluating high-temperature bearing grease, the decision framework should cover four dimensions:
1. Operating temperature. The continuous working temperature of the bearing should fall within the grease’s documented working range, and the dropping point should provide a sufficient safety margin. For a bearing operating at 150°C, a grease with a 260°C to 330°C dropping point is appropriate.
2. Load and shock conditions. For applications with heavy loads or impact loads, the EP performance must be verified. A calcium sulfonate complex grease with a PD value of 500 kgf is designed for extreme-pressure conditions, while a lithium complex grease with a PD value of 315 kgf covers moderate to heavy loads.
3. Environmental exposure. Water splash, humidity, and contamination dictate the water resistance requirement. Calcium sulfonate complex grease is the strongest performer in water-splash environments; lithium complex offers a balanced profile; polyurea is best for sealed systems where oxidation resistance matters more than water exposure.
4. Industry compliance. Automotive supply chains require IATF 16949-certified production. Environmental and occupational safety requirements point to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. A supplier’s certification documents are the verifiable evidence that the manufacturing process meets these standards.
For buyers seeking an OEM supply arrangement, XINGANG offers OEM production with package and sticker customization, a monthly capacity of 3,000 tons, a lead time of 10 to 20 days, a minimum order quantity of 2,000 kgs, and 100% testing as the quality control standard. The company’s factory area is 16,000 m², with 60 employees and an R&D team of 15 engineers, and its annual output is 45,000 tons.
Future Outlook for High-Temperature Grease
The direction of the high-temperature grease market is toward higher operating windows, longer service intervals, and broader compatibility with automated lubrication systems. The growing share of polyurea and calcium sulfonate chemistries reflects the industrial need for greases that can handle both extreme temperatures and extreme loads while reducing maintenance frequency. For manufacturers like XINGANG, the combination of a full product family, documented certifications, and export experience positions them to serve buyers who require verifiable specifications rather than generic claims.
For further reference, XINGANG’s company profile is available at Xingang Company Profile. The company website is www.china-lubes.com, and the contact person is Vera Wang, email admin@hzxg.com, phone +86 135-8871-1880, WhatsApp +86 13588711880.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature range can XINGANG high-temperature grease withstand?
XINGANG’s high-temperature grease family covers different working temperature ranges. Lithium Complex Grease (XG/HP, XG/HP-R) operates from -20°C to 180°C, Polyurea Grease (XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, XG/U18) operates from -20°C to 200°C, and Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease (XG/C4, XG/C5) operates from -20°C to 250°C.
What is the dropping point of XINGANG high-temperature grease?
The dropping point varies by product. Lithium Complex Grease has a dropping point of 300°C, Polyurea Grease has a dropping point of 260°C, and Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease has a dropping point of 330°C.
Which XINGANG high-temperature grease is certified to IATF 16949?
The IATF 16949:2016 certification, certificate number 2024A3002, covers Lithium grease, Polyurea Grease, Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease, and Lithium Complex Grease. The certification was issued by China Jiuding Automotive Supplier Certification Co., Ltd. (CASC).
What is the PD value of XINGANG extreme-pressure grease?
Lithium Complex Grease (XG/HP, XG/HP-R) has a PD value of 315 kgf. Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease (XG/C4, XG/C5) has a PD value of 500 kgf.
What are the model designations for XINGANG Lithium Complex Grease?
XINGANG Lithium Complex Grease is available in two model designations: XG/HP and XG/HP-R.
What are the model designations for XINGANG Polyurea Grease?
XINGANG Polyurea Grease is available in seven model designations: XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, and XG/U18.
What are the model designations for XINGANG Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease?
XINGANG Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease is available in two model designations: XG/C4 and XG/C5.
What certifications does XINGANG hold for high-temperature grease?
XINGANG holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and IATF 16949:2016 certifications covering its high-temperature grease product lines. The ISO 9001 certification number is 07625Q2422R65, the ISO 14001 certification number is 07625E1532R6S, and the ISO 45001 certificate number for polyurea grease is 7625S1361R6S.