Lubricant composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lubricant composition comprising a (per) fluoropolyether polymer as a base oil, a salt of the (per) fluoropolyether polymer as a conductive additive, and at least one thickener.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to Related Patent Applications

[0002] This application claims priority from European application number 23151394.6 filed on January 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a lubricant composition comprising a (per)fluoropolyether polymer as a base oil, a salt of a (per)fluoropolyether polymer as a conductive additive, and at least one thickener. Background Art

[0004] It is known that certain hydrogen-based lubricants, in particular certain lubricating oils, of natural or synthetic origin have excellent lubricant properties and are available on the market at reasonable costs. Examples of hydrogen-based lubricating oils include mineral oils of hydrocarbon type, animal and vegetable hydrogenated oils, synthetic hydrogenated oils including polyalphaolefins (PAO), dibasic acid esters, polyol esters, phosphate esters, polyesters, alkylated naphthalenes, polyphenylene oxides, polybutenes, polyalkylated cyclopentanes, silanes, siloxanes and polyalkylene glycols.

[0005] To operate at high temperatures, thickening additives must possess excellent thermal and chemical stability. Furthermore, fluorinated oils and greases undergo degradation processes at high temperatures in the presence of metals and in oxidizing environments, breaking down the backbone and producing volatile products. This results in a loss of lubricating properties in both the oil and grease.

[0006] In order to overcome this drawback, it is known from the prior art to use additives that stabilize oils and greases at high temperatures, in oxidizing environments and in the presence of metals, thus ensuring their stability during use.

[0007] Liquid stabilizing additives are disclosed in the prior art. However, for applications in which continuous use at high temperatures above 200°C is required, it is necessary to increase the amount of additive, usually to a value above about 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the oil or grease. A disadvantage of using large amounts of liquid stabilizing additives during the preparation of greases is that the ratio between the liquid component of the grease (oil plus additives) and the solid component of the grease (thickener) is changed. With increasing temperature, the large amount of liquid leads to an increased separation of liquid from solid, thereby changing the initial grease consistency. When the temperature is above 200°C, oil separation becomes significant. In addition, with increasing operating temperature, liquid additives tend to evaporate more easily.

[0008] For example, WO 2007 / 082829 (Solvay Solexis S.pA) discloses the use of polymers that are solid at room temperature and have a melting point above 150°C. This patent application discloses the use of polymers containing at least one aromatic ring in their backbone as additives for stabilizing polyperfluoroether oils. The composition disclosed in this patent application comprises an aromatic polymer powder having an average size preferably between 0.1 μm and 1,000 μm. In addition to the aromatic polymer powder, preferred embodiments also include PTFE powder.

[0009] A possible alternative to hydrogen-based lubricants is represented by (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants, i.e. lubricants containing perfluorooxyalkylene chains (that is to say chains containing repeating units having at least one ether bond and at least one fluorocarbon moiety). PFPE lubricants have high thermal and chemical resistance, making them useful in applications characterized by harsh conditions (very high temperatures, the presence of oxygen, the use of aggressive chemicals and radiation, etc.). However, PFPE oils are more expensive than hydrogenated oils, and are therefore only used when high performance is required.

[0010] (Per)fluoropolyether polymers (PFPE) belong to a family of fluorinated synthetic fluids that have long been known and used to formulate lubricants that function in extreme environments over extended periods of time.

[0011] However, one problem with PFPE-based lubricants is that they are highly dielectric and have poor electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the low polarity of fluorinated PFPE lubricants leads to poor solubility and / or poor affinity with most additives. Consequently, adjusting the electrical conductivity of PFPE lubricants has proven problematic, as conductive additives are typically polar and immiscible with PFPE lubricants.

[0012] Therefore, several approaches have been attempted in the art to adjust the conductivity of PFPE lubricants, for example as disclosed in US 2008 / 0144219 (in the name of HGST Netherlands BV).

[0013] In addition, N Suhaila A Japar et al. (International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7, 3.26, 2018, 23.29) summarized the findings related to the use of greases containing PFPE as a base oil and solid particles (fumed silica or polytetrafluoroethylene - PTFE) as a thickener in "Grease and its Application on Electrical Equipment: a Review". Summary of the Invention

[0014] Applicants recognize that the presence of electrical components continues to increase across many different industries and applications. However, their exposure to harsh environments (including, but not limited to, very high temperatures, humidity, and corrosion) can accelerate the failure of such electrical components. Furthermore, such components can experience arcing, which can burn the components and, therefore, shorten their lifespan.

[0015] In addition to the above, the Applicant has observed that the properties of the aromatic polymer powders used in the art are no longer suitable to meet the growing requirements of the specialty industries.

[0016] The problem faced by the applicant is therefore to provide a composition suitable for lubricating electrical components for different applications and industries, such as, in particular, the electrical, electronic and automotive industries. In fact, the applicant has realized that electrical corrosion in rolling bearings is a major challenge in electric vehicles today for a number of reasons, including: the complex shaft voltages that can result from inverter control systems; the occurrence of EDM bearing currents when the bearing voltage exceeds the threshold voltage of the insulating lubricating film; the release of energy from capacitors through destructive currents and arc discharges; and the potential damage of discharge currents to the bearing surface and degradation of the grease (free radical formation, overheating).

[0017] Such compositions need to exhibit good electrical conductivity and hence reduced volume resistivity (also called "resistivity" or "electrical resistance"), good viscosity and high viscosity index ("as measured according to ASTM D227") and excellent compatibility between the base oil and the additives.

[0018] The applicant has unexpectedly discovered a composition which meets the above requirements and which can therefore be used as a lubricant, among other things, for electrical and electronic components (including electrical connectors, switchgear and circuit breakers) and for mechanical parts particularly suitable for the automotive industry, including for lubricating parts used in electric vehicles, such as ball bearings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In this application:

[0020] - the use of parentheses around an identifying symbol or number, for example in expressions like "polymer (P)" etc., has the sole purpose of better distinguishing this symbol or number from the rest of the text, and therefore said parentheses may also be omitted;

[0021] - the acronym "PFPE" stands for "(per)fluoropolyether" and, when used as a noun, is intended to mean the singular or plural form, depending on the context;

[0022] - The prefix "(per)" in the term "(per)fluoropolyether" means that the polyether may be fully or partially fluorinated.

[0023] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition [composition (COMP)] comprising:

[0024] (A) (Per)fluoropolyether polymer base oil [PFPE base oil];

[0025] (B) up to 20.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP), of a salt of at least one (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE additive], the (per)fluoropolyether polymer comprising a (per)fluoropolyether backbone having two chain ends bonded to opposite sides of said backbone, wherein at least one chain end comprises at least one group selected from:

[0026] (i) an acid group selected from the group consisting of:

[0027] -COO - ,

[0028]

[0029] Each of which is salified with at least one inorganic metal salt or with an organic group selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts;

[0030] (ii) an ammonium group and at least one inorganic or organic counterion; and

[0031] (C) 0.1 to 35.0% by weight, preferably 1.0 to 32.0% by weight, of at least one thickener selected from fluorinated polymers and / or aromatic polymers, based on 100% by weight of the composition.

[0032] Unexpectedly, applicants have discovered that the composition (COMP) has excellent thermal and thermooxidative stability while the PFPE additive dissipates static charges.

[0033] Preferably, the PFPE base oil is selected from the group consisting of:

[0034] (AI) a (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE polymer] comprising a linear or branched (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] having two chain ends bonded to opposite points of the chain, both chain ends comprising a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, said polymer having a number average molecular weight as measured by NMR of 500 to 100 000, preferably 2 000 to 50 000; or

[0035] (A-II) at least one block copolymer [PFPE copolymer] comprising a first and a second (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] each having two chain ends, wherein the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated alkyl group, and the second chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains are bonded to each other via:

[0036] - at least one first block [block (1)] conforming to formula (I):

[0037]

[0038] in

[0039] n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3;

[0040] R1 to R4 are each independently selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of: a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a group having formula (II):

[0041] (II)-(R 10 ) t [C(R 11 )(R 12 )-C(R 13 )(R 14 )(R 15 )] z

[0042] in

[0043] R 10 is an oxygen atom, or a divalent / trivalent / tetravalent perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 24 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by and / or comprising at least one oxygen atom,

[0044] t is zero or 1,

[0045] z is an integer from 1 to 3;

[0046] R 11 to R 15Each is independently selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of, a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a group having formula (III):

[0047] -[(A^) a^ -(B^) v^ -(E^) L^ ] u^ -(C^)-T (III)

[0048] in

[0049] a^ is zero or 1,

[0050] v^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 3,

[0051] L^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 250,

[0052] u^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 50;

[0053] A^ is the PFPE chain

[0054] B^ is a group having the formula:

[0055] -[C(R 1^ )(R 2^ )-C(R 3^ )(R 4^ )]-

[0056] where R 1^ to R 4^ each independently having the meaning defined above for each of R1 to R4,

[0057] E^ is a compound having the formula -(CR 100^ R 101^ CR 102^ R 103^ )-

[0058] in

[0059] R 100^ and R 101^ are independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and

[0060] R 102^ and R 103^ independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; or

[0061] R 100^ and R 101^ One of the R 102^ and R 103^ One of them is a fluorine atom and R 100^ and R 101^ Another one in R 102^ and R 103^ Another of the forms together a fully halogenated cyclic ring having 4 to 6 members optionally containing a heteroatom such as an oxygen atom;

[0062] C^ is a PFPE chain, and

[0063] T is a perfluorinated alkyl group;

[0064] - at least one second block [block (2)] conforming to formula (IV):

[0065] -[(CR 1* R 2* CR 3* R 4* ) n* -(E) L ]-(IV)

[0066] in

[0067] n* is zero or an integer from 1 to 250,

[0068] L is zero or an integer from 1 to 250, and

[0069] The sum of n* and L is 0 or 1 to 250;

[0070] R 1* and R 2* are independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and

[0071] R 3* and R 4* independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; or

[0072] R 1* and R 2* One of the R 3* and R 4* One of them is a fluorine atom and R 1* and R 2* Another one in R 3* and R 4* Another of the forms together a fully halogenated cyclic ring having 4 to 6 members optionally containing a heteroatom such as an oxygen atom;

[0073] E has the same meaning as provided above for E^;

[0074] - optionally, at least one third block comprising PFPE chains [block (3)];

[0075] The premise is:

[0076] In the PFPE copolymer:

[0077] -- At least one of n, n*, and L is different from 0;

[0078] - the block (1), the block (2) and the block (3), when present, are statistically distributed;

[0079] In the formula (I):

[0080] -- at least one of R1 to R4 is a group having formula (II),

[0081] --R 11 or R 12 One of the R 13 to R 15 One of the groups is a group having formula (III);

[0082] In the formula (III) and the formula (IV)

[0083] --these repeating units are statistically distributed,

[0084] In the formula (III)

[0085] --When a^ is 1, at least one of v^ and L^ is different from 0.

[0086] Preferably, in both the PFPE polymer and the PFPE copolymer, each of the above-mentioned PFPE chains is a partially or fully fluorinated chain [chain (R f )], the chain comprising, preferably consisting of, repeating units R° independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0087] (i) -CFXO-, where X is F or CF3;

[0088] (ii) -CFXCFXO-, where X, the same or different at each occurrence, is F or CF3, provided that at least one of X is -F;

[0089] (iii) -CF2CF2CW2O-, wherein each W, the same as or different from each other, is F, Cl, or H;

[0090] (iv) -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-;

[0091] (v)-(CF2) w -CFZ-O-, wherein w is an integer from 0 to 3, and Z is a compound having the general formula -OR (f-a) -Y group, where R (f-a) is a fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain comprising 0 to 10 repeating units selected from the group consisting of: -CFXO-, -CF2CFXO-, -CF2CF2CF2O-, -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-, wherein each X is independently F or CF3 and Y is a C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl group.

[0092] Preferably, the chain (R f ) conforms to the following formula (R f -I) and (R f -II):

[0093] (R f -I)

[0094] -[(CFX 1 O) g1 (CFX 2 CFX 3 O) g2 (CF2CF2CF2O) g3 (CF2CF2CF2CF2O) g4 ]-

[0095] in

[0096] -X 1 independently selected from -F and -CF3,

[0097] -X 2 、X 3 are the same as or different from each other and are independently -F, -CF3 at each occurrence, provided that at least one of X is -F;

[0098] - g1, g2, g3, and g4, identical or different from each other, are independently ≥ 0, such that g1+g2+g3+g4 is in the range of 2 to 300, preferably 10 to 250, even more preferably 15 to 200; if at least two of g1, g2, g3 and g4 are different from zero, the different repeat units are statistically distributed along the chain as a whole;

[0099] (R f -II)

[0100] -[(CFX 1 O) g1 (CFX 2 CFX 3 O) g2 (CF2CF2CF2O) g3 (CF2CF2CF2CF2O) g4 -(CF(CF3)O) g5 (CF2CF(CF3)O) g6 ]-

[0101] in

[0102] -X 1 、X 2 、X 3 is as defined above;

[0103] - g1, g2, g3, g4, g5 and g6, identical to or different from each other, are independently ≥ 0, such that g1+g2+g3+g4+g5+g6 is in the range of 2 to 300, preferably 10 to 250, with the proviso that at least one of g5 and g6 is different from 0.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the chain (R f ) conforms to the above formula (R f -I).

[0105] Preferably, the (A-II) PFPE copolymer used in the composition (COMP) of the present invention is as described below.

[0106] Preferably, the PFPE copolymer has a thickness of at least 1,000 mm 2 The viscosity is measured at 0.1 rad / s and 25° C. using a dynamic mechanical spectrometer Anton Paar MCR502 rheometer equipped with a 25 mm parallel plate.

[0107] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains correspond to the two chain ends of the PFPE copolymer.

[0108] Preferably, the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0109] Preferably, the perfluorinated alkyl groups are the same as each other.

[0110] Preferably, the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains and the T in formula (III) are the same as or different from each other and are perfluorinated alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0111] For example, T and T', which are identical or different from each other, are fluorine atoms or groups selected from -CF3, -CF2CF3, -CF2CF2CF3, -CF(CF3)2. Other halogenated groups may still be present, such as, for example, -CF2Cl and -CF2CF2Cl.

[0112] Preferably, in said first and second PFPE chains, A 2 and C 2 are identical to or different from each other.

[0113] Preferably, in the PFPE copolymer, the first PFPE chain is bonded to the block (1) via a sigma bond or a group -(C)- selected from -CF2-, -CF2CF2- or -O-.

[0114] Preferably, in the PFPE copolymer, the block (2) is bonded to the second PFPE chain via a sigma bond or a group -(C)- selected from -CF2-, -CF2CF2- or -O-.

[0115] Preferably, when both said block (1) and said block (2) are present, they are connected via sigma bonds.

[0116] Preferably, in the PFPE copolymer, the sum of (n+n*+v^) is from 1 to 15, preferably from 1 to 11, more preferably from 1 to 9.

[0117] Preferably, in the PFPE copolymer, the sum of (L+L^) is from 1 to 500, preferably from 2 to 500, more preferably from 2 to 300.

[0118] According to a preferred embodiment, the PFPE copolymer comprises a first and a second PFPE chain each having two chain ends, wherein the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated alkyl group, and the second chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains are bonded to each other via:

[0119] - at least one block (2) conforming to formula (IV):

[0120] -[(CR 1* R 2* CR 3* R 4* )n* -(E) L ]- (IV)

[0121] in

[0122] n* is an integer from 1 to 250,

[0123] L is an integer from 1 to 250, and

[0124] The sum of n* and L is 1 to 250;

[0125] R 1* and R 2* is a fluorine atom, and

[0126] R 3* and R 4* independently selected from halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms;

[0127] E is a compound having the formula -(CR 100^ R 101^ CR 102^ R 103^ )-

[0128] in

[0129] R 100^ and R 101^ are independently selected from halogen atoms, preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and

[0130] R 102^ and R 103^ independently selected from halogen atoms, preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms;

[0131] as well as

[0132] - Optionally, at least one block (3) comprising PFPE chains.

[0133] The viscosity of the PFPE copolymer can be measured using different methods depending on the viscosity of the PFPE copolymer itself.

[0134] Preferably, the PFPE copolymer has a viscosity greater than 1,000 mm at 20°C. 2 / s, more preferably higher than 2,000 mm at 20°C 2 / s, and even more preferably higher than 3,000 mm at 20°C 2 / s viscosity.

[0135] Preferably, the PFPE copolymer has a viscosity of less than 5,000,000 mm at 20°C. 2 / s, more preferably less than 2,500,000 mm at 20°C 2 / s, and even more preferably less than 2,000,000 mm at 20°C 2 / s viscosity.

[0136] Preferably, the PFPE copolymer has a viscosity of 3,000 to 1,500,000 mm at 20°C. 2 / s, more preferably 3,500 to 1,000,000 mm at 20°C 2 / s, and even more preferably 4,000 to 950,000 mm / s at 20°C 2 / s viscosity.

[0137] The above-mentioned viscosity of the PFPE copolymer according to the present invention is measured at 25° C. according to a standard method such as ASTM D445, or measured at 1 rad / s and 25° C. using a dynamic mechanical spectrometer Anton Paar MCR 502 rheometer equipped with 25 mm parallel plates.

[0138] PFPE copolymers can be prepared via known methods, for example as disclosed in WO 2008 / 065163 (Solvay Solexis SA), or via supercritical fluid fractionation.

[0139] More preferably, the PFPE copolymer can be prepared via a process [process (P)] comprising:

[0140] (a) contacting, in the presence of UV radiation or under heating:

[0141] - at least one (per)fluoropolyether polymer containing peroxy groups [PFPE peroxide];

[0142] and

[0143] - at least one perfluorinated compound of formula (Xp):

[0144]

[0145] (Xp)

[0146] in

[0147] R 21 to R 23 and R 31 to R 33 Each of which is independently a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms,

[0148] R 10 is an oxygen atom or a perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 2 to 18 carbon atoms, optionally and preferably interrupted by and / or comprising at least one oxygen atom,

[0149] t is zero or 1, preferably 1;

[0150] Each of z* and z** is independently 1 or 2;

[0151] and / or

[0152] - at least one compound [compound (O)] selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of:

[0153] (i) hydrogenated or (per)halogenated olefins containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably ethylene (E), propylene (PP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF);

[0154] (ii) CF2 = CFOR f ,

[0155] in

[0156] R f is a C1-C6 (per)fluoroalkyl group, preferably -CF3, -C2F5, -C3F7 (hereinafter also referred to as "PAVE"); a group C1-C6 containing a chain oxygen atom 12 [(Per)fluoro]-oxyalkyl, preferably perfluoro-2-propoxypropyl (hereinafter also referred to as "perfluoro-oxy-alkyl-vinyl ether"); group -CF2OR f2 (hereinafter also referred to as "perfluoro-methoxy-vinyl ether" or "MOVE"), wherein R f2 is selected from the group consisting of: C1-C6 perfluoro-alkyl, C5-C6 cyclic perfluoroalkyl, and C2-C6 perfluoro-oxy-alkyl containing at least one chain oxygen atom, preferably R f2 is -CF2CF3(MOVE1), -CF2CF2OCF3(MOVE2), or -CF3(MOVE3);

[0157] (iii) perfluorodioxole having the formula:

[0158]

[0159] where R f3 、R f4 、R f5 、R f6 Each of the groups, identical or different from each other, is independently selected from the group consisting of a fluorine atom and a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group optionally containing one or more oxygen atoms, such as notably -CF3, -C2F5, -C3F7, -OCF3, -OCF2CF2OCF3,

[0160] Provided that the amount of compound having formula (Xp) is less than 5 wt.% of the amount of PFPE peroxide.

[0161] Optionally, a fluorination step may be performed.

[0162] Preferably, the PFPE additive is a salt of a (per)fluoropolyether polymer comprising a (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] having two chain ends bonded to opposite sides of the PFPE chain, wherein at least one chain end comprises at least one group selected from:

[0163] (i) an acid group selected from the group consisting of:

[0164] -COO - ,

[0165]

[0166] Each is salified with at least one inorganic metal salt or with at least one organic group selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts;

[0167] (ii) an ammonium group and at least one inorganic or organic counterion.

[0168] Preferably, the amount of the PFPE additive is at least 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

[0169] More preferably, the amount of the PFPE additive is from 0.1 to 20.0 wt.%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 15 wt.%, and still more preferably from 1.0 to 12 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

[0170] Preferably, in the PFPE additive (i), the acid groups are carboxyl groups.

[0171] Such carboxyl groups may be salified with at least one inorganic metal salt or an organic salt selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts.

[0172] Preferably, in the PFPE additive (i), the at least one inorganic metal salt is selected from alkali metals. More preferably, the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, cesium, lithium, magnesium and calcium.

[0173] Preferably, in the PFPE additive (i), the organic ammonium salt is selected from those having the following formula: N + H(R 21 )(R 22 )(R 23 )

[0174] where R 21 、R 22 、R 23 Each of them is selected from: linear or branched C1-C 20 an aliphatic chain, optionally containing at least one heteroatom, preferably -O-; or R 21 、R 22 、R 23 Two of the R-1 and R-2 together form a 5-membered or 6-membered aliphatic or aromatic ring, said ring optionally containing at least one heteroatom and / or optionally substituted by at least one linear or branched alkyl chain comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one heteroatom preferably selected from -O- and -N-, and R 21 、R 22 、R 23 The third one is as defined above.

[0175] More preferably, the organic ammonium salt is selected from triethanolammonium, triethylammonium, pyridinium, trimethylammonium, tributylammonium, 1-methylimidazolium, di(ethyl)cyclohexylammonium, benzimidazolium, and 1-benzylimidazolium.

[0176] Preferably, in the PFPE additive (ii), the ammonium group is selected from those having the following formula:

[0177] §-N + (R 31 )(R 32 )(R 33 )

[0178] in

[0179] § represents a bond to the (per)fluoropolyether backbone, and

[0180] R 31 、R 32 、R 33 Each of them is selected from: linear or branched C1-C 20 an aliphatic chain, optionally containing at least one heteroatom, preferably -O-; or R31 、R 32 、R 33 Two of the R-1 and R-2 together form a 5-membered or 6-membered aliphatic or aromatic ring, said ring optionally containing at least one heteroatom and / or optionally substituted by at least one linear or branched alkyl chain comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one heteroatom preferably selected from -O- and -N-, and R 31 、R 32 、R 33 The third one is as defined above.

[0181] More preferably, the ammonium group is selected from di(methyl)benzylammonium, di(methyl)octylammonium, tri(methyl)ammonium, tri(butyl)ammonium, tri(tert-butyl)ammonium, di(cyclohexyl)methylammonium, tri(pentyl)ammonium, di(ethyl)cyclohexylammonium, di(butyl)methylammonium, di(ethyl)butylammonium, 1-butylimidazolium, 1-methylimidazolium, 1-benzylimidazolium, benzimidazolium, pyridinium, pyridazinium, pyrimidinium, pyrazinium, 1,2,4-triazolium.

[0182] Preferably, in the PFPE additive (ii), the at least one inorganic or organic counterion is selected from the group consisting of: Br - , I - 、Cl - 、BF4 - 、NO3 - OH - 、[(CF3SO2)2N] - , sulfonate and sulfate.

[0183] The sulfonate is preferably selected from the group consisting of trifluoromethylsulfonate, perfluorobutylsulfonate, methanesulfonate and toluenesulfonate.

[0184] Preferably, the PFPE chains of the PFPE additive (i) or (ii) are partially or fully fluorinated chains [chains (R f )], the chain comprising, preferably consisting of, repeating units R° independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0185] (i) -CFXO-, where X is F or CF3;

[0186] (ii) -CFXCFXO-, where X, the same or different at each occurrence, is F or CF3, provided that at least one of X is -F;

[0187] (iii) -CF2CF2CW2O-, wherein each W, the same as or different from each other, is F, Cl, or H;

[0188] (iv) -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-;

[0189] (v)-(CF2) w -CFZ-O-, wherein w is an integer from 0 to 3, and Z is a compound having the general formula -OR (f-a) -Y group, where R (f-a) is a fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain comprising 0 to 10 repeating units selected from the group consisting of: -CFXO-, -CF2CFXO-, -CF2CF2CF2O-, -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-, wherein each X is independently F or CF3 and Y is a C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl group.

[0190] Preferably, the chain (R f ) conforms to the formula (R f -I) and (R f -II).

[0191] According to an embodiment, the PFPE additive (i) comprises a carboxyl group at one or both chain ends, which is salified with at least one inorganic metal salt. The at least one inorganic metal salt is as defined above.

[0192] Preferably, the PFPE additive comprises a carboxyl group at one or both chain ends, which is salified with at least one organic ammonium salt. The at least one organic ammonium salt is as defined above.

[0193] More preferably, the PFPE additive comprises a salified carboxyl group as defined above at one chain end and a neutral group at the other chain end.

[0194] The neutral group is preferably a fluorine atom or a perfluorinated alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0195] According to this embodiment, the chain end comprising an acid group is preferably bonded via a group having the formula -CF2- or -CF(CF3)- to a residue conforming to the formula (R f ) of the (per)fluoropolyether backbone.

[0196] The PFPE additive (i) can be prepared according to methods known in the art, such as following the procedure disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,000,864 (in the name of Ausimont SpA).

[0197] According to another embodiment, the PFPE additive (ii) comprises an ammonium group and at least one inorganic or organic counterion at one or both chain ends.

[0198] Preferably, the ammonium group is as defined above.

[0199] Preferably, the at least one inorganic or organic counterion is as defined above.

[0200] According to this second embodiment, the chain end comprising an ammonium group is preferably bonded via a group having the formula -CF2- or -CF2CH2- to a residue conforming to the formula (R f ) of the (per)fluoropolyether backbone.

[0201] Furthermore, according to this second embodiment, the chain ends comprising ammonium groups are preferably alkoxylated via chain [chain (R a )] is bonded to the σ bond or group (B1).

[0202] Preferably, the chain (R a ) conforms to the following formula (R a-I ) to (R a-III )one:

[0203] (R a-I )-(OCH2CH2) j1 -H

[0204] (R a-II )-[OCH(CH3)CH2]j2-H

[0205] (R a-III )-[(OCH2CH2) j3 -(OCH(CH3)CH2) j4 ] j(x) -H

[0206] wherein j1 and j2 are each independently an integer from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 5;

[0207] j3, j4 and j(x) are integers of 1 to 25, and the sum of j3 and j4 is 2 to 50.

[0208] The PFPE additive (ii) can be prepared according to methods known in the art, such as the method disclosed in WO 2022 / 078766 (Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy SpA).

[0209] Preferably, the thickener is in powder form having an average particle size (d ) higher than 1 micron, more preferably higher than 2 microns, and still more preferably higher than 3 microns as measured by laser diffraction particle size analysis as a volume particle size distribution. 50 ).

[0210] Preferably, the thickener is in powder form having a d value of less than 15 microns, more preferably less than 12 microns, and still more preferably less than 10 microns as measured by laser diffraction particle size analysis as a volume particle size distribution.50 .

[0211] Preferably, the thickener is a fluorinated polymer.

[0212] According to this embodiment, the fluorinated polymer is poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE).

[0213] Preferably, the thickener is an aromatic polymer.

[0214] According to this embodiment, the aromatic polymer has a melting point of at least 150°C.

[0215] Preferably, the aromatic polymer is in powder form having a d value in the range of greater than 1 micron and up to 15 microns as measured by laser diffraction particle size analysis as a volume particle size distribution. 50 , and 0.5 to less than 5m 2 Surface area in g (determined by gas adsorption using the BET method according to ISO 9277).

[0216] The at least one aromatic polymer is advantageously chosen in the group comprising, preferably consisting of:

[0217] (a) poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) polymer;

[0218] (b) poly(phenylene ether) (PPO) polymers;

[0219] (c) poly(aryletherketone) (PAEK) polymers; and

[0220] (d) Poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymers.

[0221] Preferably, the (a) poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) is a polymer comprising -(Ar-S)- repeating units (also referred to herein as repeating units (RPA)), wherein Ar is an arylene group.

[0222] The arylene group of PAS may be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0223] Additionally, the PAS may include any isomeric relationship of sulfide linkages in the polymer; for example, when the arylene group is a phenylene group, the sulfide linkage may be ortho, meta, para, or a combination thereof.

[0224] Preferably, the PAS polymer comprises at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, at least 95, at least 98 mol.% of repeating units (RPA), based on the total moles of PAS. According to an embodiment, the PAS consists essentially of repeating units (RPA).

[0225] Preferably, the PAS polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(2,4-tolylene sulfide), poly(4,4'-biphenylene sulfide), poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(o-phenylene sulfide), poly(m-phenylene sulfide), poly(xylene sulfide), poly(ethylisopropylphenylene sulfide), poly(tetramethylphenylene sulfide), poly(butylcyclohexylphenylene sulfide), poly(hexyldodecylphenylene sulfide), poly(octadecylphenylene sulfide), poly(phenylphenylene sulfide), poly-(tolylphenylene sulfide), poly(benzylphenylene sulfide) and poly[octyl-4-(3-methylcyclopentyl)phenylene sulfide].

[0226] More preferably, the PAS is a PPS comprising a repeating unit represented by Formula I:

[0227]

[0228] Even more preferably, the PPS comprises at least 50 mol.%, based on the total moles in the PPS polymer, of repeating units having Formula I. For example, at least about 60 mol.%, at least about 70 mol.%, at least about 80 mol.%, at least about 90 mol.%, at least about 95 mol.%, at least about 99 mol.% of the repeating units in the PPS are repeating units having Formula I.

[0229] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PPS polymer is such that about 100 mol.% of the repeating units are repeating units having Formula I. According to this embodiment, the PPS polymer consists essentially of repeating units having Formula I (RPP).

[0230] The PAS polymer of the present invention can be obtained by methods known in the art. Reference may be made notably to WO 2015 / 095362 (Chevron Philipps), WO 2015 / 177857 (Solvay), and WO 2016 / 079243 (Solvay).

[0231] Preferably, the (b) poly(phenylene ether) (PPO) polymer comprises repeating units conforming to the following formula (II):

[0232]

[0233] in

[0234] R and R', identical or different from each other, are H, -CH3 or -C6H5, and

[0235] n is an integer at least equal to 1.

[0236] Preferably, the (c) poly(aryletherketone) (PAEK) polymer is a polymer comprising more than 50 mol% of repeating units (R-PAEK), wherein the repeating units (R-PAEK) comprise Ar—C(O)—Ar′ groups,

[0237] wherein Ar and Ar', which are the same as or different from each other, are aromatic groups.

[0238] In some embodiments, the poly(aryletherketone) (PAEK) comprises at least 60 mol%, at least 70 mol%, at least 80 mol%, at least 90 mol%, at least 95 mol%, or at least 99 mol%, at least 99.5 mol%, or at least 99.9 mol% of repeating units (R-PAEK). As used herein, mol% is relative to the total moles of repeating units in the poly(aryletherketone) (PAEK).

[0239] In some embodiments, the repeating unit (R-PAEK) is selected from the group consisting of Formulas (JA) to (JO) below:

[0240]

[0241]

[0242]

[0243] in:

[0244] Each R', the same as or different from each other, is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine, and quaternary ammonium; and

[0245] j' is an integer from 0 to 4.

[0246] In the repeating unit (R-PAEK), the corresponding phenylene moieties may independently have 1,2-, 1,4- or 1,3-linkages to other moieties in the repeating unit that are different from R'. Preferably, the phenylene moieties have 1,3-linkages or 1,4-linkages, more preferably they have 1,4-linkages.

[0247] In some embodiments, each occurrence of j' in the repeating unit (R-PAEK) is zero. That is, the phenylene moiety has no substituents other than those that enable linkage in the backbone of the polymer.

[0248] Therefore, preferred repeating units (R-PAEK) are selected from those having formulae (J'-A) to (J'-O) below:

[0249]

[0250]

[0251] In a preferred embodiment, the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) is polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0252] In this embodiment, the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has a repeating unit (R-PEEK) represented by the formula (JA) or (J'-A), and preferably the repeating unit (R-PEEK) is represented by the formula (J'-A).

[0253] According to an embodiment, composition (C) comprises a plurality of different poly(aryletherketone) polymers, each poly(aryletherketone) polymer having a different repeating unit (R-PAEK).

[0254] Preferably, in the (d) poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymer, at least 50 mol.% of the repeating units are repeating units having formula (IV):

[0255]

[0256] in:

[0257] (i) each R, which is the same as or different from each other, is selected from halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine, and quaternary ammonium;

[0258] (ii) each h, being the same as or different from each other, is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; and

[0259] (iii) T is selected from the group consisting of a bond, a sulfone group [-S(=O)2-], and a group -C(Rj)(Rk)-, wherein Rj and Rk are the same or different from each other and are selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium.

[0260] Preferably, Rj and Rk are each methyl.

[0261] Preferably, at least 60 mol.%, 70 mol.%, 80 mol.%, 90 mol.%, 95 mol.%, 99 mol.%, and most preferably all of the repeating units in the poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) are repeating units of formula (IV). As used herein, mol.% is relative to the total moles of repeating units in the poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES).

[0262] In an embodiment, the poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is poly(biphenyl ether sulfone). A poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) polymer is a poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing a biphenyl moiety. Poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) is also known as polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and is produced, for example, from the condensation of 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl (bisphenol) and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone.

[0263] As used herein, "poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) (PPSU)" means any polymer wherein greater than 50 mol.% of the repeating units are repeating units (Rppsu) having formula (IV-A):

[0264]

[0265] Preferably, at least 60 mol.%, 70 mol.%, 80 mol.%, 90 mol.%, 95 mol.%, 99 mol.%, and most preferably all of the repeating units in the poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) (PPSU) are repeating units having formula (IV-A).

[0266] In an embodiment, the poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is polyethersulfone (PES).

[0267] As used herein, "poly(ethersulfone) (PES)" means any polymer wherein at least 50 mol.% of the repeating units are repeating units having formula (IV-B):

[0268]

[0269] Preferably, at least 60 mol.%, 70 mol.%, 80 mol.%, 90 mol.%, 95 mol.%, 99 mol.%, and most preferably all of the repeating units in the poly(ethersulfone) (PES) are repeating units having formula (IV-B).

[0270] In an embodiment, the poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is a polysulfone (PSU). As used herein, "polysulfone (PSU)" means any polymer wherein at least 50 mol.% of the repeating units are repeating units having formula (IV-C):

[0271]

[0272] Preferably, at least 60 mol.%, 70 mol.%, 80 mol.%, 90 mol.%, 95 mol.%, 99 mol.%, and most preferably all of the repeating units in PSU are repeating units having formula (IV-C).

[0273] If required by the end application, the composition according to the invention (COMP) may contain at least one additional ingredient, such as those commonly used in lubricant compositions, for example.

[0274] Non-limiting examples of suitable additives include: rust inhibitors, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, pour point depressants, antiwear agents (including those for high pressures), tracers, rheology modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, pigments, dyes, and fillers.

[0275] Each of the at least one additional ingredient may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

[0276] Preferably a composition (COMP) is produced comprising PTFE as filler. Preferably the amount of PTFE is 5 to 45 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 40 wt.%, even more preferably 20 to 30 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

[0277] In another object, the present invention relates to the use of said composition (COMP) as a lubricant for electrical components suitable for different applications and industries, such as in particular the automotive and electronics industries. Such components include electrical and electronic components, such as, but not limited to, electrical connectors, switchgear and circuit breakers.

[0278] In other words, the present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least one electrical or electronic component, preferably chosen from electrical connectors, switchgear and circuit breakers, comprising applying a composition (COMP) as defined above to at least a portion of the component.

[0279] In yet another object, the present invention relates to the use of said composition (COMP) as a lubricant for mechanical parts suitable for use in the automotive industry, in particular in electric vehicles (EVs). Such parts include but are not limited to ball bearings.

[0280] In other words, the present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least one mechanical component, preferably chosen from ball bearings, comprising applying a composition (COMP) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 to at least a portion of this component.

[0281] In yet another object, the present invention relates to the use of the composition (COMP) according to the invention for the manufacture of a lubricating grease.

[0282] In another object, the present invention relates to a lubricating grease comprising the composition (COMP) according to the invention and at least one further ingredient.

[0283] The grease may advantageously be used as a lubricant for electrical, electronic or mechanical components. Examples of such components are provided above and include, but are not limited to, electrical connectors, switchgear and circuit breakers, and ball bearings.

[0284] Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference into this application conflict with the description of this application to the extent that it might render a term unclear, this description shall take precedence.

[0285] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0286] Examples

[0287] Material

[0288] Base grease 1 comprising (amounts based on the total weight of the base grease):

[0289] - 70 wt.% of Fomblin having Mn = 5400 as measured via NMR (R) PFPE M07 [neutral PFPE] (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italia S.p.A.)

[0290] - 30 wt.% of Algoflon as thickener with particle size = 5 microns (R) L 203RPTFE (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italia S.p.A.)

[0291] Base grease 2 comprising (amounts based on the total weight of the base grease):

[0292] - 70 wt.% of Fomblin as described above (R) PFPE M30

[0293] - 30 wt.% PPS M1100 UFP (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, Inc.)

[0294] Rust inhibitor: Fomblin (R) DA306 (PFPE Y amide), commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italia S.p.A.

[0295] Heat stabilizer: Fomblin (R)DA410 (bifunctional linear PFPE) - commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italia S.p.A.

[0296] Graphite: TIMREX KS 6GRAPHITE-1001, obtained from Imerys

[0297] additive:

[0298] ADD1: 1-butylimidazolium monofunctional PFPE trifluoromethanesulfonate containing a compound having the formula -(CF2CF2O) m (CF2O) n - main chain, and has Mn=2520 g / mol as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

[0299] ADD2: 1-butylimidazolium monofunctional PFPE trifluoromethanesulfonate containing a compound having the formula -(CF2CF2O) m (CF2O) n - main chain, and has Mn = 4760 g / mol as measured by NMR.

[0300] ADD3: Branched PFPE (functionality < 0.5) containing carboxylate end groups salified with triethanolamine and having an Mn of approximately 5,000 as measured by NMR.

[0301] Comparative compositions and compositions according to the invention were prepared by mixing the above-described base oil 1 with the following ingredients in the amounts detailed in Table 1 .

[0302] Table 1

[0303]

[0304] (*)contrast

[0305] The compositions were evaluated in the tests reported in Table 2.

[0306] Comparative composition 3C (*) was not tested further because the presence of graphite particles resulted in phase separation under the harsh testing conditions.

[0307] Table 2

[0308]

[0309] (*)contrast

[0310] Comparative compositions and compositions according to the invention were prepared by mixing the above-described base oil 2 with the following ingredients in the amounts detailed in Table 3.

[0311] Table 3

[0312]

[0313] (*)contrast

[0314] The compositions were evaluated in the tests reported in Table 4.

[0315] Table 4

[0316]

[0317] (*)contrast

Claims

1. A composition [composition (COMP)] comprising: (A) (Per)fluoropolyether polymer base oil [PFPE base oil]; (B) up to 20.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP), of a salt of at least one (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE additive], the (per)fluoropolyether polymer comprising a (per)fluoropolyether backbone having two chain ends bonded to opposite sides of said backbone, wherein at least one chain end comprises at least one group selected from: (i) an acid group selected from the group consisting of: -COO - , Each of which is salified with at least one inorganic metal salt or with an organic group selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts; (ii) an ammonium group and at least one inorganic or organic counterion; and (C) 0.1 to 35.0% by weight, preferably 1.0 to 32.0% by weight, of at least one thickener selected from fluorinated polymers and / or aromatic polymers, based on 100% by weight of the composition.

2. The composition (COMP) according to claim 1, wherein The PFPE base oil is selected from the group consisting of: (AI) a (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE polymer] comprising a linear or branched (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] having two chain ends bonded to opposite points of the chain, both chain ends comprising a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, said polymer having a number average molecular weight as measured by NMR of 500 to 100 000, preferably 2 000 to 50 000; or (A-II) at least one block copolymer [PFPE copolymer] comprising a first and a second (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] each having two chain ends, wherein the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated alkyl group, and the second chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains are bonded to each other via: - at least one first block [block (1)] conforming to formula (I): in n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; R1 to R4 are each independently selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of: a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a group having formula (II): (II)–(R 10 ) t [C(R 11 )(R 12 )-C(R 13 )(R 14 )(R 15 )] z in R 10 is an oxygen atom, or a divalent / trivalent / tetravalent perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 24 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by and / or comprising at least one oxygen atom, t is zero or 1, z is an integer from 1 to 3; R 11 to R 15 Each is independently selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of, a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a group having formula (III): -[(A^) a^ -(B^) v^ -(E^) L^ ] u^ -(C^)-T(III) in a^ is zero or 1, v^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 3, L^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 250, u^ is zero or an integer from 1 to 50; A^ is the PFPE chain B^ is a group having the formula: -[C(R 1^ )(R 2^ )-C(R 3^ )(R 4^ )]- where R 1^ to R 4^ each independently having the meaning defined above for each of R1 to R4, E^ is a compound having the formula -(CR 100^ R 101^ CR 102^ R 103^ )- in R 100^ and R 101^ are independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and R 102^ and R 103^ independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; or R 100^ and R 101^ One of the R 102^ and R 103^ One of them is a fluorine atom and R 100^ and R 101^ Another one in R 102^ and R 103^ Another of the forms together a fully halogenated cyclic ring having 4 to 6 members optionally containing a heteroatom such as an oxygen atom; C^ is a PFPE chain, and T is a perfluorinated alkyl group; - at least one second block [block (2)] conforming to formula (IV): -[(CR 1* R 2* CR 3* R 4* ) n* -(E) L ]-(IV) in n* is zero or an integer from 1 to 250, L is zero or an integer from 1 to 250, and The sum of n* and L is 0 or 1 to 250; R 1* and R 2* are independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and R 3* and R 4* independently selected from hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; or R 1* and R 2* One of the R 3* and R 4* One of them is a fluorine atom and R 1* and R 2* Another one in R 3* and R 4* Another of the forms together a fully halogenated cyclic ring having 4 to 6 members optionally containing a heteroatom such as an oxygen atom; E has the same meaning as provided above for E^; - optionally, at least one third block comprising PFPE chains [block (3)]; The premise is: In the PFPE copolymer: -- At least one of n, n*, and L is different from 0; - the block (1), the block (2) and the block (3), when present, are statistically distributed; In the formula (I): -- at least one of R1 to R4 is a group having formula (II), --R 11 or R 12 One of the R 13 to R 15 One of the groups is a group having formula (III); In the formula (III) and the formula (IV) --these repeating units are statistically distributed, In the formula (III) --When a^ is 1, at least one of v^ and L^ is different from 0.

3. The composition (COMP) according to claim 2, wherein Each of the PFPE chains is a partially or fully fluorinated chain [chain (R f )], the chain comprising, preferably consisting of, repeating units R° independently selected from the group consisting of: (i) -CFXO-, where X is F or CF3; (ii) -CFXCFXO-, where X, the same or different at each occurrence, is F or CF3, provided that at least one of X is -F; (iii) -CF2CF2CW2O-, wherein each W, the same as or different from each other, is F, Cl, or H; (iv) -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-; (v)-(CF2) w -CFZ-O-, wherein w is an integer from 0 to 3, and Z is a compound having the general formula -OR (f-a) -Y group, where R (f-a) is a fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain comprising 0 to 10 repeating units selected from the group consisting of: -CFXO-, -CF2CFXO-, -CF2CF2CF2O-, -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-, wherein each X is independently F or CF3 and Y is a C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl group.

4. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The PFPE copolymer has at least 1,000 mm 2 The viscosity is measured at 0.1 rad / s and 25° C. using a dynamic mechanical spectrometer Anton Paar MCR 502 rheometer equipped with a 25 mm parallel plate.

5. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein In the PFPE copolymer: - said first chain ends of said first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and / or - the first PFPE chain is connected via a sigma bond or a group selected from -CF2-, -CF2CF2- or -O- -(C)- is bonded to said block (1); and / or - said block (2) is bonded to said second PFPE chain via a sigma bond or a group -(C)- selected from -CF2-, -CF2CF2- or -O-; and / or - when both said block (1) and said block (2) are present, they are connected via sigma bonds; and / or - the sum of (n+n*+v^) is 1 to 15, preferably 1 to 11, more preferably 1 to 9; and / or The sum of -(L+L^) is 1 to 500, preferably 2 to 500, more preferably 2 to 300.

6. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The PFPE copolymer comprises first and second PFPE chains each having two chain ends, wherein the first chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains comprise a perfluorinated alkyl group and the second chain ends of the first and second PFPE chains are bonded to each other via: - at least one block (2) conforming to formula (IV): -[(CR 1* R 2* CR 3* R 4* ) n* -(E) L ]-(IV) in n* is an integer from 1 to 250, L is an integer from 1 to 250, and The sum of n* and L is 1 to 250; R 1* and R 2* is a fluorine atom, and R 3* and R 4* independently selected from halogen atoms, more preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; a linear or branched alkyl chain comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, N and S; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; E is a compound having the formula -(CR 100^ R 101^ CR 102^ R 103^ )- in R 100^ and R 101^ are independently selected from halogen atoms, preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms, and R 102^ and R 103^ independently selected from halogen atoms, preferably fluorine or chlorine atoms; -OR 200 , where R 200 is a straight or branched perfluorinated chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or having the formula -CF2OR 201 A group in which R 201 is a perfluorinated alkyl chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen ether atoms; as well as - Optionally, at least one block (3) comprising PFPE chains.

7. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The PFPE additive is a salt of a (per)fluoropolyether polymer comprising a (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain] having two chain ends bonded to opposite sides of the PFPE chain, wherein at least one chain end comprises at least one group selected from: (i) an acid group selected from the group consisting of: -COO - , Each is salified with at least one inorganic metal salt or with at least one organic group selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts; (ii) an ammonium group and at least one inorganic or organic counterion.

8. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The amount of the PFPE additive is at least 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP), and / or in an amount of 0.1 to 20.0 wt.%, even more preferably 0.5 to 15 wt.%, and still more preferably 1.0 to 12 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

9. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein In the PFPE additive (i), the acid groups are carboxyl groups, preferably salified by at least one of: - inorganic metal salts or - an organic salt selected from ammonium salts and phosphonium salts.

10. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein In the PFPE additive (ii), the at least one inorganic or organic counterion is selected from the group consisting of: Br - , I - 、Cl - 、BF4 - 、NO3 - OH - 、[(CF3SO2)2N] - , sulfonate and sulfate.

11. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The thickener is in powder form, and its average particle size (d 50 )for: - above 1 micron as measured by volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis; and / or - Less than 15 microns as measured by volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis.

12. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The thickener is a fluorinated polymer, preferably poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE).

13. The composition (COMP) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The thickener is an aromatic polymer, which is preferably selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of: (a) poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) polymer; (b) poly(phenylene ether) (PPO) polymers; (c) poly(aryletherketone) (PAEK) polymers; and (d) Poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymers.

14. A method for lubricating at least one electrical or electronic component, preferably chosen among electrical connectors, switchgear and circuit breakers, comprising applying a composition (COMP) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to at least a portion of this component.

15. A method for lubricating at least one mechanical component, preferably chosen from ball bearings, comprising applying a composition (COMP) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 to at least a portion of this component.

16. Lubricating grease comprising the composition (COMP) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and at least one further ingredient.

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