What is the most incompatible grease thickener?

Polyurea is known to be the most incompatible grease thickener among the options provided. This incompatibility primarily stems from the chemical nature of polyurea thickeners, which are more sensitive to the presence of other additives and different types of thickeners compared to other options like straight soap, complex soap, or clay.

When mixed with lubricants that contain various other thickeners or additives, polyurea can undergo chemical reactions that alter its properties, potentially leading to poor lubrication performance. This sensitivity makes it crucial to avoid mixing polyurea greases with other types.

In contrast, straight soap, complex soap, and clay thickeners tend to exhibit a higher level of compatibility when mixed with similar types or some other thickeners, making them less problematic in comparison to polyurea. Understanding these compatibility issues is crucial for selecting the right lubricant in machinery applications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.