What are the relevant properties for a lubricant to protect a mechanical chain and ensure it is operating properly?

Lubricants for chains need to have the following properties:

• an appropriate level of viscosity so that it can reach the interior surfaces that need to be lubricated,
• enough lubricity to maintain a lubricant film at high loads,
• sufficient adhesion so that the greases stay on the chain,
• good anticorrosion properties at all temperatures,
• in some cases, the ability to withstand variations in temperature without deposits forming when the lubricant breaks down.

Meeting all chain lubrication requirements with a single product is not a completely realistic target. A lubricating formula is first and foremost a subtle compromise of varying types of performance – some of which can sometimes be contradictory.