Molykote 5 Silicone Grease Lubricant

MOLYKOTE 5 Compound / DC5 Silicone Dielectric Lubricant

Applications

MOLYKOTE 5 Compound is designed for applications where electrical insulation, lubrication, sealing, moisture resistance, and material compatibility are important. Typical applications include:

• Electrical insulators and bushings
• High-current switches
• Electrical contacts
• High-voltage electrical equipment
• Static and dynamic O-ring seals
• Rubber-to-metal and plastic-to-metal applications
• Insulator threads and bolts
• Electrical connector and contact applications
• Socket-type watt-hour meter contacts and hardware
• Electrical cable and moisture-barrier applications
• Electromechanical components requiring a nonconductive lubricant

Product Benefits

• Nonconductive: Provides electrical insulation while lubricating and protecting compatible components.
• High dielectric strength: Designed for applications where electrical insulation is important.
• Water repellent: Helps prevent moisture intrusion and provides water-resistant protection.
• Long lasting: Silicone-based formulation provides durable performance across a wide temperature range.
• Metal, plastic, and rubber compatibility: Designed for applications involving a variety of common component materials.
• Corrosion protection: Helps protect electrical and mechanical components from corrosion caused by moisture.
• Oxidation resistance: Silicone formulation provides good resistance to oxidation.
• Lubrication and sealing: Can provide both lubrication and sealing functions in appropriate applications.
• Helps prevent conductive paths: Useful for insulating applications where unwanted electrical paths must be avoided.

Technical Specifications

Typical properties are provided for reference and are not intended for use in preparing product specifications. Refer to the current manufacturer's technical data sheet for complete product information.

MOLYKOTE 5 as a Dielectric Compound

MOLYKOTE 5 is formulated for applications where a lubricant or sealing compound must also provide electrical insulation. Its nonconductive silicone formulation helps prevent the formation of conductive paths while providing water-repellent and corrosion-resistant protection.

This makes it useful around electrical insulators, bushings, switches, contacts, and other components where moisture exclusion and dielectric protection are important.

For electrical applications, always verify the voltage, current, component design, environmental conditions, and applicable equipment manufacturer's requirements before selecting a dielectric compound.

MOLYKOTE 5 for Insulators and Bushings

One of the primary applications for MOLYKOTE 5 Compound is lubrication and protection of electrical insulators and bushings. The compound helps prevent moisture intrusion and can provide lubrication during installation or removal of compatible components.

It can also help protect insulator threads and bolts against rust and corrosion while making future component removal easier.

MOLYKOTE 5 for Electrical Contacts

MOLYKOTE 5 can be used as a contact lubricant on high-voltage equipment and in applications where improved metal-to-metal lubricity is required compared with other MOLYKOTE silicone compounds.

Because MOLYKOTE 5 is nonconductive, it should not be treated as a conductive electrical contact grease. Its purpose in these applications is to provide lubrication and environmental protection while maintaining electrical insulation where specified.

O-Ring and Seal Applications

MOLYKOTE 5 is compatible with many rubber and plastic materials and can be used to lubricate static and dynamic O-ring seals in appropriate applications. The silicone compound helps reduce friction during assembly and operation while also providing water-repellent protection.

Before use with a specific elastomer, gasket, or seal material, verify compatibility with the component manufacturer's recommendations.

Water Repellency and Corrosion Protection

The silicone formulation provides water-repellent properties that can help prevent moisture from reaching protected components. MOLYKOTE 5 can therefore be useful where moisture exclusion, corrosion protection, and lubrication are required from the same product.

DuPont identifies applications including preventing moisture migration inside rubber-jacketed service entrance cable and protecting electrical contacts and hardware from oxidation and corrosion.

Aircraft and Aerospace Maintenance

MOLYKOTE 5 can be useful in aircraft and aerospace maintenance applications involving compatible electrical, rubber, plastic, and metal components where a nonconductive silicone compound is appropriate.

Potential uses should be evaluated against the applicable aircraft, component, electrical-system, and maintenance documentation. Always verify that the product is specified or approved for the particular application before use.

For aircraft electrical maintenance, do not substitute a dielectric compound for a specified product unless the applicable maintenance documentation permits the substitution.

How to Apply MOLYKOTE 5 Compound

MOLYKOTE 5 can be applied by hand, wiping, brushing, or using suitable automated equipment. Apply enough compound to provide the required lubrication, sealing, or moisture barrier without unnecessary excess.

• Clean the component or surface as required by the applicable maintenance procedure.
• Apply MOLYKOTE 5 evenly to the required surface.
• Use an appropriate film thickness for the application.
• Remove excessive compound where it could interfere with component operation.
• Follow the applicable equipment manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

MOLYKOTE 5 vs. MOLYKOTE 111

MOLYKOTE 5 and MOLYKOTE 111 are both silicone-based compounds, but they serve different application needs. MOLYKOTE 5 is particularly differentiated by its dielectric properties and use on insulators, bushings, high-current switches, and electrical contacts. MOLYKOTE 111 is widely used for valve, O-ring, gasket, and sealing applications where water resistance and broad material compatibility are important.

See MOLYKOTE 111 Silicone Lubricant when a silicone valve, O-ring, gasket, or sealant compound is required.

MOLYKOTE 5 vs. MOLYKOTE 4 Electrical Insulating Compound

MOLYKOTE 5 and MOLYKOTE 4 are both nonconductive silicone compounds used in electrical applications, but they should not be treated as interchangeable products. Select between them based on the electrical, mechanical, temperature, material compatibility, and maintenance requirements of the specific application.

See MOLYKOTE 4 Electrical Insulating Compound for the DC4 product.

Storage and Shelf Life

Business Aircraft Consumables lists MOLYKOTE DC5 with a 1,825-day shelf life. For the specific usable-life or expiration information applicable to the container received, refer to the product packaging and current manufacturer documentation.

Store the product in its original container under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. Keep the container properly closed when not in use.

Ordering Information

Business Aircraft Consumables supplies MOLYKOTE specialty lubricants and dielectric compounds for aircraft maintenance, aerospace MRO, electrical maintenance, industrial equipment, and general maintenance applications.

BAC Part Number: DC5-5.3OZ
Manufacturer: DuPont / MOLYKOTE®
Product: MOLYKOTE 5 Compound
Alternate Name: Dow Corning 5 / DC5
Package: 5.3 oz (150 g) tube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOLYKOTE 5 Compound?

MOLYKOTE 5 is a silicone-based, nonconductive dielectric compound containing amorphous silica filler and dimethyl and phenylmethyl silicone fluids. It is used for lubrication, sealing, moisture protection, and electrical insulation.

What is MOLYKOTE DC5 used for?

MOLYKOTE DC5 is used on electrical insulators, bushings, high-current switches, electrical contacts, O-ring seals, insulator hardware, and other applications requiring a nonconductive silicone compound.

Is MOLYKOTE 5 the same as Dow Corning 5?

Yes. MOLYKOTE 5 Compound is the current product name associated with the product historically known as Dow Corning 5 or DC5.

Is MOLYKOTE 5 electrically conductive?

No. MOLYKOTE 5 is a nonconductive dielectric compound. DuPont specifies high dielectric strength and high volume resistivity for the product.

What is the temperature range of MOLYKOTE 5?

DuPont specifies a serviceable temperature range of -54°C to 232°C (-65°F to 450°F).

Can MOLYKOTE 5 be used on O-rings?

Yes. MOLYKOTE 5 can be used to lubricate static and dynamic O-ring seals in appropriate applications and is designed for compatibility with many rubber and plastic materials.

Can MOLYKOTE 5 be used on electrical contacts?

DuPont identifies MOLYKOTE 5 for use as a contact lubricant on high-voltage equipment and for applications involving high-current switches. Always verify the specific electrical application and manufacturer's requirements before use.

What is the difference between MOLYKOTE 5 and MOLYKOTE 111?

MOLYKOTE 5 places greater emphasis on dielectric and electrical applications such as insulators, bushings, and high-current switches. MOLYKOTE 111 is widely used for valves, O-rings, gaskets, seals, and moisture-resistant lubrication.

What size MOLYKOTE DC5 does BAC sell?

Business Aircraft Consumables lists MOLYKOTE DC5 in a 5.3 oz (150 g) tube under BAC part number DC5-5.3OZ.

Is MOLYKOTE 5 a grease?

MOLYKOTE 5 has a grease-like consistency, but DuPont classifies it as a MOLYKOTE Compound rather than a conventional grease. It is a silicone compound formulated with amorphous silica filler.