Daicel Corporation announced that fine Durast POM powder has been adopted in an innovative stick-form lubricant produced by the Japanese company Maia Co. Ltd. The material was introduced by Daicel's High Performance Polymers unit, formerly operating under the name Polyplastics. According to the information provided by the company, the solution is intended to eliminate typical problems associated with liquid lubricants and pastes, such as dripping, splattering and losses resulting from over-application. The product is intended for maintenance applications, including office equipment and industrial machinery. In office equipment servicing, the solution is expected to reduce the use of conventional maintenance oil by approximately 80%.
The manufacturing technology developed by Maia, referred to as Sol・Mid, enables the lubricant to be supplied usually in a stick-shaped container and also to be formed into shapes tailored to customer requirements. In practice, this means the possibility of preparing not only a standard application form, but also custom-moulded parts, for example in a disc shape, intended for integration into components. The operation of the solution is based on the chemical properties of Durast POM powder. The product is made by mixing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, UHMW-PE, with grease, and powdered POM acts as an interlayer between the polyethylene phase and the grease, maintaining their compatibility. The company states that, by blending with Durast POM, it is possible to solidify almost any type of grease.
According to Daicel, the stick form makes it possible to apply exactly the required amount of lubricant uniformly to a specific area. This is intended to reduce uneven application and material losses typical of conventional lubrication methods. An additional benefit is the absence of leakage risk characteristic of liquids, as well as greater convenience in transport and use in the field. The company also points to the operational stability of the solution. In the case of traditional high-viscosity greases, phase separation may occur over time, which requires stirring before use. In Sol・Mid technology, grease components are incorporated into the three-dimensional structure of resins such as Durast POM, so the grease does not separate and can be applied consistently regardless of changes over time and temperature.
POM powder as a new processing form of an engineering plastic
Daicel emphasises that one of the key elements of the project was the development of a powdering technology for an engineering resin. As indicated, producing a fine and uniform powder from general-purpose resins using conventional grinding methods is very difficult because the material melts under frictional heat. The company reported that this issue was solved by developing its own manufacturing process for Durast POM. The resulting material has a distinctive shape and a controlled particle distribution described as fine and sharp.
According to the company, such a powdering technology makes it possible to add new functions to a material that has so far been used mainly in pellet form for injection moulding and extrusion. In this project, POM powder is therefore not merely a different commercial form of the polymer, but a functional element responsible for the compatibility of a system based on UHMW-PE and grease.
Application scope and commercialisation plans
Full-scale commercialisation of the solution using Durast POM is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. Initially, the product is to be targeted at maintenance applications for major office equipment manufacturers. It is then planned to expand into further industrial segments. Daicel points here in particular to industrial machinery repair, the recreational bicycle market and conveyor systems, where the lubricant can be used for lubrication management of transport chains.
The company also highlights the potential of the solution in the context of environmental requirements. The release points to growing expectations related to regulations concerning PFAS, namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. In this context, the product is presented as a possible alternative to fluorinated lubricants. Daicel also announced that sample supply has begun.
