Daicel's POM Powder Enables Stick Lubricant That Cuts Oil Use 80%

Maia's manufacturing technology mixes ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with grease. The DURAST POM fine powder acts as a layer between the two, keeping them compatible. Without that interlayer, the grease and polyethylene would separate.

Daicel had to develop a proprietary process to turn POM – a polyacetal engineering plastic – into a uniform fine powder with controlled particle size. Conventional grinding methods could not achieve that, the company said.

The stick lubricant is scheduled for full-scale commercialization. Daicel is targeting major office equipment manufacturers first, then industrial machinery repair, bicycle maintenance, and conveyor systems.