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STLE Toronto Hybrid meeting: An overview of lubricating grease and the methods used to characterize its performance. ": Nov 11, 2025. 5:30 -7:30 PM EST
Reducing Tribological Losses and Failures – Part 36
STLE TORONTO SECTION
2025 Fall and 2026 Spring Program
Our Program:
Nov 11 2025– LANXESS Canada Co
Speaker: Mr. Wayne Mackwood – NLGI President – Global Head of Detergent and Grease Technology
An overview of lubricating grease and the methods used to characterize its performance & A look at the NLGI; Who we are and how we support the grease industry.
Time:
5:30-6 Networking (in-person)
6-6:30 Dinner (in-person) – No Charge
6:30-7:30 Presentation followed by Q&A (in-person & online session)
Location: 800 Kipling Ave, Unit 2, Toronto, ON, M8Z 5G5
Abstract:
Grease Abstract
This talk will review the basics of grease, including the different thickener types available, as well as additives and base oils typically used in their manufacture, and will look at trends in production of grease in the North American and other markets. The talk will then focus on methods available to characterize their performance; in particular it will utilize the historic NLGI GC/LB and more recently developed NLGI HPM specifications to show how those test methods can be combined to enhance the performance characterization of a given grease.
NLGI Abstract
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) was founded in 1933 and is the leading global association dedicated to the lubricating grease industry. It is the Mission of NLGI to be the premier source of resources relevant to the needs of the global grease community. NLGI is a not-for-profit trade association, primarily composed of companies who manufacture and market all types of lubricating grease. Membership is by company rather than by individual. Along with manufacturers, there are suppliers (equipment, raw materials and components, and services), as well as research and educational organizations, companies that offer technical services, and finally consumer and end-user organizations. The Institute’s member organizations are located in over 30 different countries worldwide. The NLGI works continuously to strengthen this broad association by providing a range of services.
Biography:
Bio:
Wayne is currently the Global Head of Detergent and Grease Technology for LANXESS, leading a highly skilled, dynamic and dedicated team of chemists at its West Hill Canada, Application Technology Centre. He is also currently serving as the NLGI President (2024-2026) and has represented LANXESS on the NLGI Board since 2012. He is a recognized expert in the design, manufacture and use of Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease and has developed over 150 grease formulations for use in a broad range of applications. He is also active in the development and introduction of new detergent technology and formulations for lubrication, corrosion inhibition, and grease manufacture. Wayne has spent the majority of his 30 year career as a Scientist but has also held roles in marketing and asset management. He has authored more than a dozen technical papers, contributed to numerous journal articles, holds two patents, and has given more than 25 presentations at leading conferences and seminars around the world. He has a Masters in Materials Engineering Science, with a focus on Tribology, from the University of Western Ontario. He also served on the STLE Board of Directors from 2008 – 2011, remains active at the local section level, and has held several local board roles since 1995 including three times as Toronto Section Chair . He has been awarded the NLGI John A. Bellanti Sr. Memorial Award in 2019, the NLGI Golden Grease Gun in 2021, the NLGI Award for Educational Excellence in 2022, and the NLGI Fellows Award in 2023. In November 2023, he was awarded the LANXESS Robert W. Brown award for his technical contributions over his career at LANXESS.