1st Presentation:

1) What’s New at STLE Headquarters

• Updates to the STLE.org Website; resources available to STLE Members; how to attract new members; importance to update personal profiles.

2) The importance of Chemical Distribution in the Lubricants Industry

• What is the purpose and the advantages to work with a distributor in the lubricants industry.

2nd presentation:

Graphene-enhanced lubricants have demonstrated potential in improving friction reduction, wear resistance, and thermal stability. This study presents a comprehensive experimental and computational analysis of lithium-based greases containing varying concentrations of graphene. A first-of-its-kind thermal analysis methodology was developed, enabling simultaneous evaluation of heat dissipation, wear scar area and wear depth under operational conditions. In combination with the Four Ball Wear Test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), this approach provides a detailed assessment of graphene’s influence on lubricant performance. The findings indicate that while graphene enhances lubrication properties at optimal concentrations, excessive amounts lead to agglomeration, reducing tribological benefits. To complement the experimental results, an AI-driven predictive model was developed, employing a piecewise nonlinear regression approach to estimate temperature evolution and wear characteristics based on graphene concentration. This model provides a quantitative framework for optimizing lubricant formulations, enabling precise control over tribological properties and predictive maintenance strategies. By integrating advanced material characterization with AI-driven modeling, this research offers a data-driven approach to lubricant optimization, with potential applications in aerospace, automotive, mining and industrial machinery.