LITHIUM SOAP GREASE

A grease composition that combines good water resistance, good mechanical stability and high oil retention with excellent oxidation stability and high dropping point is prepared by the use of a novel thickener system whose essential components include a combination of dilithium salt of a C4-C12 dicarboxylic acid, e.g. dilithium azelate; a lithium soap of a 9-, 10-, or 12-hydroxy C12 to C24 fatty acid, e.g. lithium 12-hydroxy-stearate; and a lithium salt formed in situ in the grease from a second hydroxy carboxylic acid wherein the OH group is attached to a carbon atom not more than 6 carbon atoms removed from the carboxyl group, and wherein either of those groups may be attached to either aliphatic or aromatic portions of a molecule. If desired, sufficient lithium hydroxide can be added to form the dilithium salt of the latter acid through reaction of its hydroxyl group.