A Perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE) Lubricant Formulation for -40°C to 330°C Application (305)
Perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPAEs) have long been of interest as lubricant base fluids because of their good thermal and thermo-oxidative stability and their wide liquid range. These properties make them particularly well suited for potential applications in advanced high-efficiency turbine engines and other applications with similar requirements. But their practical applications have been hampered by their interaction with iron-containing components leading to rusting and wear of the components and degradation of the fluid.
Deficiencies in lubricant base fluids have generally been mitigated, and the performance enhanced, by the use of various additives. Additives developed for improvement of the performance of petroleum-derived or synthetic hydrocarbon base fluids are generally not suitable for PFPAEs, because of lack of solubility or effectiveness. Other additives soluble in PFPAEs do not in themselves satisfy all the requirements such as oxidation-corrosion protection, rust protection, and anti-wear properties.
The University of Dayton Research Institute, in conjunction with the Air Force Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, has developed a PFPAE formulation containing two easily and inexpensively synthesized additives. Both these additives are phosphorus-free, and the formulation therefore is environmentally benign, and is also stable to hydrolysis. In laboratory tests, this formulation simultaneously improved the thermo-oxidative stability, the wear resistance, and the rust prevention ability required of a PFPAE fluid in order for it to be considered for application. This combination of additives have sufficient solubility in a PFPAE fluid at –40°C to provide effectiveness over a wide temperature range (-40°C to – 330°C).
The anti-wear additive used in this formulation may also have use in the commercial arena to replace phosphorus-containing additives.
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