On Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:42:32 +0000 (UTC), gregz
wrote:

I never really tried it, but someday I'll find a use, for the old copper
impregnated grease from Germany. Reddish in color, of course.

Grease is normally a tolerable insulator. Many rotating devices are
capable to generating sufficient static electricity to create small
spark between the bearing surfaces. That eventually pits the bearings
and causes failure. To prevent arcing, greases are often made
conductive by adding graphite.
http://www.nyelubricants.com/products/elec_conductive.shtml

However, for applications where the bearing is expected to actually
conduct some current and/or some heat, copper is used. You can get it
at the auto shop as anti-seize:
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/lubricants/specialty_lubricants/Permatex_Copper_Anti-Seize_Lubricant_b.htm
or:
http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1598/.f?sc=2&category=185
Lots of applications. I sometimes use it for lubricating the bearings
or bushings in adjustable capacitors and potentiometers.

Note that there are different types of copper used. For
non-lubricating applications, random dust is fine. For anything that
moves or requires electrical conductivity, flakes are required. You
can test for which one with an ohm-guesser. The dust is not
conductive. The flakes overlap and are therefore conductive.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558