Corrosion Prevention and Friction Reduction Coating and Low Temperature Process

Abstract

This invention relates to a structural coating comprising a polymeric resin, a borate-based additive, and a dynamic stabilization material. The borate-based additive provides corrosion protection through electrochemical binding of active surface corrosive sites, lubrication enhancement through the creation and re-supply to a surface where friction contact occasionally occurs of a weak slip lane crystalline material which may be a locally formed product utilizing local atmospheric humidity, and a material for reaction with an initiator to provide for freezing point depression during coating application. The dynamic stabilization material creates a balance of stabilized material for supply of corrosion protection product, lubrication reduction product, and freezing point depression product.

Description

I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60 / 697,541, filed Jul. 11, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to coatings for friction reduction and the prevention of corrosion. More particularly, the present invention relates to polymer carried lubrication and corrosion protection coatings suited for extreme environments. III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wheel lubrication is known in the art. Archeological evidence shows the use of tallow for wheel lubrication dating prior to 1400 B.C. The study of lubrication and frictional coefficients may be considered to have started in the late 1880's in Britain when Tower produced his studies on railroad car journal bearings in 1885. Since then, numerous artisans have engaged in the endeavor of finding lubricants and coatings suited to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention overcome the practical problems described above and offer additional advantages as well. Some embodiments of the present invention solve various of the above-described drawbacks by providing coatings providing friction reduction and corrosion protection. Others of the embodiments of the present invention solve various of the above-described drawbacks by providing lubrication coatings demonstrating longevity in extreme environments including harsh weather conditions and harsh operating conditions. Yet other embodiments of the present invention provide additional advantages to the foregoing such as providing coatings that are non-toxic and biodegradable and / or coatings that are inexpensive enough for mass production and use.

[0008] These and other advantages are obtained according to the present invention as described in more detail herein. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, various embodiments of the present invention may provide a synergistic effect wherein the compositions and processes described herein enhance the various advantages of the related art and also substantially obviate one or more of the limitations and disadvantages of the described prior compositions and processes.

Problems solved by technology

Each of these prior art methods of providing lubrication suffer from their own respective set of drawbacks.

Hydrodynamic or squeeze-film action cannot provide adequate load support in some instances for bearings lubricated with oil or water.

These prior art methods have proven futile in extremely high pressure situations.

However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, as extreme pressure additives function by chemical action, these additives may not be used where the metal surfaces will be severely eroded—a phenomena often encountered in harsh environments.

However, in any event, dry rubbing or dry sliding involving solid-to-solid contact occurs in almost all fluid lubrication systems as, for example, in machine start-up, run-in misalignment or inadequate clearance, reversal of direction of moving surfaces, or many unforeseen or unplanned interruptions in lubricant delivery.

Moreover, conventional lubricants such as greases or oils also are not used on moving surfaces in extreme temperature, high vacuum, radiation or contamination environments.

Dry lubricants present their own set of drawbacks.

In addition to these conditions potentially adversely affecting their effectiveness, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, dry lubricants typically are not able to provide any scrub resistance or weathering resistance, thereby greatly reducing their usefulness in any event.

The foregoing underscores some of the problems associated with convention lubrication coating methods and materials.

In addition, the foregoing also highlights the long-felt, yet unresolved need for an effective lubrication coating suited for extreme environments including harsh weather conditions and harsh operating conditions.