Lubrication systems for electric or hybrid vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lubrication system for the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a (per)fluoropolyether polymer as a base oil and at least one thickening agent.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related patent applications This application claims priority to European Patent No. 23168083.6 filed on April 14, 2023, and the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of lubrication for propulsion systems of electric or hybrid vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a lubrication system comprising a (per)fluoropolyether polymer as a base oil and at least one thickener. [Background technology]

[0003] The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a (per)fluoropolyether polymer as a base oil and at least one aromatic polymer thickener as a lubricant in the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0004] This composition provides excellent lubrication properties, even at the very high rotational speeds that characterize the propulsion and transmission systems of electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0005] Changes in international standards, not only regarding the reduction of CO2 emissions but also the reduction of energy consumption, have led powertrain constructors to propose alternative solutions to combustion engines.

[0006] One solution identified by the locomotive constructor is to replace the combustion engine with an electric motor.

[0007] For the purposes of this invention, the term "electric vehicle" means a vehicle that includes an electric motor as its sole propulsion means, as opposed to a hybrid vehicle that includes a combustion engine and an electric motor as a combined propulsion means.

[0008] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "propulsion system" means a system that includes the mechanical components necessary for the propulsion of an electric vehicle. Thus, the propulsion system more specifically encompasses an electric motor that includes a rotor-stator assembly, power electronics (for speed regulation only), a transmission, and a battery.

[0009] Generally, in electric or hybrid vehicles, it is necessary to use a composition to meet the constraints of lubricating the various components of the propulsion system recalled above.

[0010] Lubricating oil compositions, also referred to as "lubricants", are generally used in propulsion systems such as electric motors for the purpose of reducing the frictional forces between the various metal components moving within the transmission parts. They are also effective in preventing premature wear or even damage to these components, particularly their surfaces.

[0011] To do this, lubricating oil compositions are conventionally composed of one or more base oils generally combined with several additives intended to stimulate the lubricating performance of the base oil, such as thickeners.

[0012] In order to operate at high temperatures, the thickening additives need to have excellent thermal and chemical stability.

[0013] The use of polymers that are solid at room temperature and have a melting point higher than 150 °C as thickeners in lubricating oil compositions was disclosed, for example, in WO 2007 / 082829 A1 pamphlet (Solvay Solexis S.p.A.). This patent application discloses the use of polymers containing at least one aromatic ring in their main chain as additives for stabilizing perfluoropolyether oils. The compositions disclosed in this patent application preferably included aromatic polymer powders having an average size of 0.1 μm to 1,000 μm. Preferred embodiments included PTFE powders in addition to the aromatic polymer powders.

[0014] (Per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants, i.e., lubricants containing perfluorooxyalkylene chains, i.e., chains containing repeating units having at least one ether linkage and at least one fluorocarbon moiety, have high thermal and chemical resistance, and therefore they are useful in applications characterized by harsh conditions (very high temperatures, presence of oxygen, use of aggressive chemicals and radiation, etc.). They have been known for a long time and are used to formulate lubricants that function for extended periods in extreme environments. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0015] The applicant noted that the performance of aromatic polymer powders used in the art is no longer suitable for meeting the growing demands of specialty industries, such as those for electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0016] Therefore, the applicant faced the problem of providing a composition suitable for lubricating electrical components suitable for use in different applications and industries, particularly the electrical, electronic, and automotive industries. In fact, the applicant knows today that galvanic corrosion in rolling bearings is a challenge to e-mobility due to the extremely high rotational speeds, higher acceleration, and higher heating inherent in electric motors. Also, lubricating oil in electric vehicles is changed less frequently compared to internal combustion engines. Therefore, lubricating oil for electric motors should be able to last longer.

[0017] Therefore, the applicant faced the problem of providing a lubricant for electric motors in electric or hybrid vehicles that can maintain its viscosity at the high temperatures generated by the electric motor. In fact, compared to internal combustion engines, electric motors generate more heat, which leads to a more rapid decomposition of the lubricant.

[0018] The applicant has, remarkably, found a composition that satisfies the above requirements and can therefore be used as a lubricant for electrical and electronic components, including electrical connectors, switchgears and circuit breakers, and as a lubricant for mechanical components, particularly suitable for use in the automotive industry, including for lubricating components used in electric or hybrid vehicles, such as ball bearings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] In this application: - For example, the use of parentheses around symbols or numbers that identify a formula, such as "polymer (P)," is solely for the purpose of better distinguishing the symbols or numbers from the rest of the text, and therefore, such parentheses may be omitted. - The acronym "PFPE" stands for "(per)fluoropolyether," and when used as a noun, it is intended to mean either singular or plural depending on the context; - The prefix "(per)" in the term "(per)fluoropolyether" means that the polyether can be fully or partially fluorinated.

[0020] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least one component in a propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the method comprising applying a composition as detailed herein to at least a portion of such component.

[0021] Components in the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle may be electrical or electronic components or mechanical components.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a propulsion system for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a lubricating oil composition as described herein in detail.

[0023] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is a method for lubricating at least one component in the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, wherein the method lubricates at least a portion of such component. (A) (Per) fluoropolyether polymer base oil [PFPE base oil]; (B) At least one aromatic polymer thickener, hereinafter referred to as [polymer AP], in an amount of 0.1% to 45.0% by weight, preferably 1.0% to 40.0% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the composition, and A method comprising applying a composition (hereinafter referred to herein as Composition (COMP)) containing the above.

[0024] Surprisingly, the applicant found that the composition (COMP) exhibits excellent stability over time, even at high speeds or rotations.

[0025] Preferably, the [PFPE base oil] is a (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE polymer] comprising a chain having two chain ends bonded to opposite ends of a linear or branched (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain], wherein both chain ends comprise a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and the polymer has a number average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000, preferably 2,000 to 50,000, as measured by NMR.

[0026] Preferably, each of the above-mentioned PFPE chains in the PFPE polymer is a partially or completely fluorinated chain [chain(R°), preferably comprising repeating units R°. f )] and the repeating unit is, (i)-CFXO-(wherein X is F or CF3); (ii)-CFXCFXO-(wherein each occurrence X is equal to or different from F or CF3, provided that at least one of X is -F); (iii)-CF2CF2CW2O-(wherein each of W, which is equal to or different from each other, is F, Cl, or H); (iv) -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-; (v) -(CF2) w -CFZ-O- (where w is an integer from 0 to 3, and Z is a group of the general formula -O-R (f-a) -Y, where R (f-a) is a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain containing repeating units of numbers from 0 to 10, and the repeating units are selected from the following: -CFXO-, -CF2CFXO-, -CF2CF2CF2O-, -CF2CF2CF2CF2O-, and each X is independently F or CF3, and Y is a C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl group) is independently selected from the group consisting of.

[0027] Preferably, the chain (R f ) is of the following formulas (R f -I) and (R f -II): (R f -I) -[(CFX 1 O) g1 (CFX 2 CFX 3 O) g2 (CF2CF2CF2O) g3 (CF2CF2CF2CF2O) g4 - (where - X 1 is independently selected from -F and -CF3, - X 2 , X 3 are independently -F, -CF3, provided that at least one of X is -F; - g1, g2, g3, and g4, which are equal to or different from each other and for each occurrence, are independently such that g1 + g2 + g3 + g4 is in the range of 2 to 300, preferably 10 to 250, more preferably 15 to 200; when at least two of g1, g2, g3 and g4 are different from zero, different repeating units are generally statistically distributed along the chain); (R f -II) -[(CFX 1 O) g1 (CFX 2 CFX 3 O) g2 (CF2CF2CF2O) g3 (CF2CF2CF2CF2O) g4 -(CF(CF3)O) g5 (CF2CF(CF3)O) g6 ]- (In the formula, - X 1 , X 2 , X 3 This is as defined above; - g1, g2, g3, g4, g5, and g6, which are equal to or different from each other, independently conform to the condition that g1+g2+g3+g4+g5+g6 is greater than or equal to 0, such that g1+g2+g3+g4+g5+g6 is in the range of 2 to 300, preferably 10 to 250, provided that at least one of g5 and g6 is not 0.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the chain (R f ) is the above equation (R f -I) Follow this rule.

[0029] Preferably, the PFPE polymer is aged at 20°C until 10 mm 2 / s or more, more preferably 20mm at 20℃ 2 / s or more, even more preferably 30mm at 20°C 2 It has a viscosity greater than / s.

[0030] Preferably, the PFPE copolymer is 2500 mm at 20°C. 2 Less than / s, more preferably 2000mm at 20°C 2 It has a viscosity of less than / s.

[0031] Preferably, the PFPE polymer is 35-2000 mm at 20°C. 2 / s, more preferably 35-550mm at 20℃ 2 / s, more preferably 50-400mm at 20℃ 2 / s, in some cases 60-350mm at 20℃ 2 It has a viscosity of / s.

[0032] Advantageously, PFPE polymers can withstand temperatures of 25-350 mm at 20°C. 2 / s, more preferably 40-350mm at 20℃ 2 / s, more preferably at 20°C, 60-300mm 2 It has a viscosity of / s.

[0033] The viscosity of the PFPE copolymer according to the present invention was measured at 20°C according to ASTM D445.

[0034] Aromatic polymer thickeners, [polymer AP], when measured as a volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis, have an average particle size (d) greater than 1 micrometer, more preferably greater than 2 micrometers, and even more preferably greater than 3 micrometers. 50 It is in the form of a powder having the following properties.

[0035] Preferably, the [polymer AP] has a particle size of less than 15 micrometers, more preferably less than 12 micrometers, and even more preferably less than 10 micrometers. 50 It exists in the form of a powder having the following characteristics. The average particle size is measured by laser diffraction particle size analysis and refers to the volume particle size distribution.

[0036] Typically, [polymer AP] has a melting point of at least 150°C.

[0037] Preferably, the [polymer AP] is measured as a volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis in the range of more than 1 micrometer to 15 micrometers. 50 , and 0.5~5m 2 It is in the form of a powder with a surface area of ​​less than / g (determined by gas adsorption using the BET method in accordance with ISO 9277).

[0038] [Polymer AP] is present in the composition (COMP) in amounts ranging from 0.1% to 45.0% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the composition. [Polymer AP] is present in the composition (COMP) in amounts ranging from at least 1.0% by weight to even 5.0% by weight. [Polymer AP] is generally present in the composition (COMP) in amounts ranging from 40.0% by weight to even 35.0% by weight.

[0039] [Polymer AP] is advantageous in that, (a) Poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) polymer; (b) Poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) polymer; (c) Poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) polymer; and (d) Poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymer Selected from the group including, preferably consisting of, those groups.

[0040] Preferably, the (a) poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) is expressed herein as a repeating unit (R PAs It is a polymer containing a repeating unit -(Ar-S)- (where Ar is an arylene group), also known as ).

[0041] The arylene group in PAS can be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0042] In addition, the PAS can contain any isomer relationship of sulfide bonds in the polymer; for example, if the arylene group is a phenylene group, the sulfide bonds can be ortho, meta, para, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the PAS polymer contains 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, and at least 98 mol% repeating units (R) based on the total number of males in the PAS. PAS) includes. According to one embodiment, PAS is a repeating unit (R PAS It essentially exists in ).

[0044] Preferably, the PAS polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(2,4-toluenesulfide), poly(4,4'-biphenylene sulfide), poly(para-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(ortho-phenylene sulfide), poly(meth-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].

[0045] More preferably, the PAS is of formula I: [ka] This is a PPS that includes repeating units represented by .

[0046] More preferably, the PPS contains at least 50 mol% of the repeating units of formula I, based on the total number of moles in the PPS polymer. 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%, and at least about 99 mol% of the repeating units in the PPS are the repeating units of formula I.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the PPS polymer is such that about 100 mol% of the repeating units are the repeating units of formula I. According to this embodiment, the PPS polymer is essentially composed of the repeating units of formula I (RPP).

[0048] The PAS polymer of the present invention can be obtained by processes known in the art. In particular, refer to International Publication No. 2015 / 095362 (Chevron Philipps), International Publication No. 2015 / 177857 (Solvay), and International Publication No. 2016 / 079243 (Solvay).

[0049] Preferably, the (b) poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) polymer is of the following formula (II): [ka] (In the formula, R and R', which are either equal to or different from each other, are H, -CH3, or -C6H5. n is an integer that is at least equal to 1. Includes repeating units that follow the formula.

[0050] Preferably, the (c) poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) polymer is a polymer containing more than 50 mol% of repeating units (R-PAEK), where the repeating units (R-PAEK) are Ar-C(O)-Ar' groups. (In the formula, Ar and Ar' are aromatic groups, which are either equal to or different from each other.)

[0051] In some embodiments, the poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) contains 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% refers to the total number of moles of repeating units in the poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK).

[0052] In some embodiments, the repeating unit (R-PAEK) is expressed herein by the following formulas (JA)~(JO): [ka] [ka] [ka] (In the formula: Each of R', which is equal to or different from one another, is selected from the group consisting of halogens, alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls, aryls, ethers, thioethers, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, imides, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonates, alkyl phosphonates, amines, and quaternary ammonium compounds; j' is selected from the group consisting of integers from 0 to 4.

[0053] In the repeating unit (R-PAEK), each phenylene moiety may independently have 1,2-, 1,4-, or 1,3-bonds in other parts of the repeating unit that are different from R'. Preferably, the phenylene moieties have 1,3- or 1,4-bonds, and more preferably, they have 1,4-bonds.

[0054] In some embodiments, j' within the repeating unit (R-PAEK) is 0 for each occurrence. That is, the phenylene moiety has no substituents other than those that enable linking in the polymer's main chain.

[0055] Therefore, the preferred repeating unit (R-PAEK) is expressed herein by the following formula (J'-A)~(J'-O): [ka] [ka] [ka] It will be selected from the following.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the polyaryl ether ketone (PAEK) is polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0057] In this embodiment, the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has a repeating unit (R-PEEK) represented by either formula (JA) or (J'-A), and preferably the repeating unit (R-PEEK) is represented by formula (J'-A).

[0058] According to one embodiment, composition (C) comprises several distinctly different poly(aryl ether ketone) polymers, each poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer having distinctly different repeating units (R-PAEK).

[0059] Preferably, in the (d) poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymer, at least 50 mol% of the repeating units are of formula (IV): [ka] (In the formula: (i) Each R, which is equal to or different from one another, is selected from halogens, alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls, aryls, ethers, thioethers, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, imides, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonates, alkyl phosphonates, amines, and quaternary ammonium compounds; (ii) Each h is an integer in the range of 0 to 4, either equal to or different from each other; (iii) T is selected from the group consisting of a bond, a sulfone group [-S(=O)2-], and a group -C(Rj)(Rk)-, where Rj and Rk are equal to or different from each other and are selected from hydrogen, halogens, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine, and quaternary ammonium. It is a repeating unit.

[0060] Preferably, Rj and Rk are methyl groups.

[0061] Preferably, at least 60 mol%, 70 mol%, 80 mol%, 90 mol%, 95 mol%, and 99 mol%, of the repeating units in poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) are repeating units of formula (IV). As used herein, mol% refers to the total number of moles of repeating units in poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES).

[0062] In some embodiments, poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is poly(biphenyl ether sulfone). Poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) polymers are poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing a biphenyl moiety. Poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) is also known as polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU), which is produced, for example, by the condensation of 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl (biphenol) and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone.

[0063] As used herein, "poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) (PPSU)" refers to a repeating unit in a quantity of more than 50 mol% of formula (IV-A): [ka] This refers to any polymer that is a repeating unit (Rppsu).

[0064] Preferably, at least 60 mol%, 70 mol%, 80 mol%, 90 mol%, 95 mol%, and 99 mol%, of the repeating units in poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) (PPSU) are repeating units of formula (IV-A).

[0065] In one embodiment, poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is polyether sulfone (PES).

[0066] As used herein, "poly(ethersulfone) (PES)" means that at least 50 mol% of the repeating units are of formula (IV-B): [ka] This refers to any polymer that is a repeating unit of the same shape.

[0067] Preferably, at least 60 mol%, 70 mol%, 80 mol%, 90 mol%, 95 mol%, and 99 mol%, of the repeating units in poly(ethersulfone) (PES) are repeating units of formula (IV-B).

[0068] In some embodiments, poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) is polysulfone (PSU). As used herein, "polysulfone (PSU)" means that at least 50 mol% of the repeating units are of formula (IV-C): [ka] This refers to any polymer that is a repeating unit of the same shape.

[0069] Preferably, at least 60 mol%, 70 mol%, 80 mol%, 90 mol%, 95 mol%, and 99 mol%, of the repeating units in the PSU are repeating units of formula (IV-C), most preferably all of them.

[0070] The composition (COMP) may contain at least one additional ingredient, such as those commonly used in lubricating oil compositions.

[0071] Non-limiting examples of suitable additives include: rust inhibitors, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, pour point depressants, wear inhibitors for high pressure applications, wear inhibitors, tracers, rheological modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, pigments, dyes, and fillers.

[0072] Each of these at least one additional ingredient may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition (COMP).

[0073] Components in the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle may be electrical or electronic components or mechanical components.

[0074] Among electrical and electronic components, electrical connectors, switchgears, and circuit breakers may be mentioned without limitation. Among mechanical components, ball bearings may be mentioned.

[0075] In other words, the present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least one electrical or electronic component in an electric or hybrid vehicle, preferably selected from electrical connectors, switchgears, and circuit breakers, wherein the method comprises applying a composition (COMP) as defined above to at least a portion of such component.

[0076] For further purposes, the present invention relates to the use of a composition (COMP) as a lubricant for mechanical components, particularly suitable for use in the automotive industry, especially for electric or hybrid vehicles (EVs). Such components include, but are not limited to, ball bearings.

[0077] In other words, the present invention relates to a method for lubricating at least one mechanical component of an electric or hybrid vehicle, preferably selected from ball bearings, wherein the method comprises applying a composition (COMP) to at least a portion of such component.

[0078] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a propulsion system for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a lubricating oil composition (COMP). All preferences for the composition (COMP) described above apply equally to the propulsion system.

[0079] If any disclosure of a patent, patent application, or publication incorporated herein by reference conflicts with the description of this application to such an extent that it obscures certain terms, the description herein shall prevail.

[0080] The present invention will now be described in more detail in relation to the following embodiments, but the purpose is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Examples]

[0081] material Different greases have a consistency NLGI 2.

[0082] PTFE: Algoflon® L 203R PTFE with a particle size of 5 micrometers (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy SpA)

[0083] PPS: Ryton® M1100 UFP (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC.)

[0084] PFPE: Fomblin® Mnn (commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy SpA), as detailed in Table 1.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086] The compositions to be tested are as follows (amounts are based on the total weight of the base grease): - 70% by weight of Fomblin® PFPE Mnn - 30% by weight of thickener: PTFE or PPS It contained [something].

[0087] The composition was prepared by mixing the above-mentioned Fomblin® PFPE with a thickening agent.

[0088] test: The performance of the composition was evaluated using a high-speed bearing test rig, specifically the HighSpeed-Lifetime-False-Brinelling-Pruefstand (HSLT) test.

[0089] The test was performed with respect to the grease loaded into the bearings. Two Type 7206-B-XL-MP (brass cage) angular contact ball bearings were assembled on the test rig. An axial force of 3.5 kN was applied.

[0090] Various methods (time execution, speed increase, step) have been used to evaluate grease performance.

[0091] Protocol 1: 5h test run

[0092] [Table 2]

[0093] The results are reported in Table 2, where the PTFE-containing composition is for comparison, and the PPS-containing composition is according to the present invention.

[0094] [Table 3]

[0095] At high rotational speeds, compositions containing aromatic polymer thickeners such as PPS provided a longer time to break.

[0096] The data in Table 2 also showed that medium viscosity PFPE (90 cSt at 40°C) is generally more advantageous than high or low viscosity PFPE. They provide the best results in grease formulations at high speeds.

[0097] Protocol 2: 80h test run The test was performed by applying the following speed / time profile: 1000 rpm for 120 minutes. The speed was gradually increased in increments of 500 rpm over 120 minutes in each step.

[0098] The results from the 80h test run are reported in Table 3, where the PTFE-containing composition is for comparison, and the PPS-containing composition is according to the present invention.

[0099] [Table 4]

[0100] Compositions containing PPS exhibit high speed and excellent performance.

Claims

1. A method for lubricating at least one component in the propulsion system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, wherein the method applies to at least a portion of such component, (A) (Per) fluoropolyether polymer base oil [PFPE base oil]; (B) At least one aromatic polymer thickener in an amount of 0.1% to 45.0% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the composition. A method comprising applying a composition [composition (COMP)] containing the following.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the PFPE base oil is a (per)fluoropolyether polymer [PFPE polymer] comprising a chain having two chain ends bonded to opposite ends of a linear or branched (per)fluoropolyether chain [PFPE chain], wherein both chain ends comprise a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and the polymer has a number average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000, preferably 2,000 to 50,000, as measured by NMR.

3. Each of the PFPE chains is preferably a partially or completely fluorinated chain [chain (R°] containing repeating units R°. ｆ )] and the repeating unit is, (i) -CFXO-(wherein X is F or CF) ３ (is); (ii) - CFXCFXO - (wherein each instance X is equal to or different from F or CF) ３ (provided that at least one of X is -F); (iii)-CF ２ CF ２ CW ２ O - (wherein the formula, each of W, which is either equal to or different from each other, is F, Cl, or H); (iv)-CF ２ CF ２ CF ２ CF ２ O-; (v) - (CF ２ ) ｗ -CFZ-O-(wherein w is an integer from 0 to 3, and Z is the general formula -O-R) （ｆ－ａ） - It is the basis of Y, and here R （ｆ－ａ） This is a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain containing 0 to 10 repeating units, the repeating units being: -CFXO-, -CF ２ CFXO-, -CF ２ CF ２ CF ２ O-, -CF ２ CF ２ CF ２ CF ２ Selected from O-, each of X independently becomes F or CF ３ And Y is C １ ~C ３ (It is a perfluoroalkyl group.) The method according to claim 2, independently selected from the group consisting of the following.

4. The PFPE polymer is measured according to ASTM D445, with a yield of 30–2000 mm at 20°C. ２ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a viscosity of / s.

5. The PFPE polymer is measured according to ASTM D445, with a yield of 35–550 mm at 20°C. ２ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a viscosity of / s.

6. The aforementioned aromatic polymer thickener is (a) Poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) polymer; (b) Poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) polymer; (c) Poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) polymer; and (d) Poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) polymer Selected from the group including, preferably consisting of, those. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aromatic polymer thickener is poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS).

8. Aromatic polymer thickeners have an average particle size (d ５０ ): - When measured as a volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis, larger than 1 micrometer; and / or - When measured as a volume particle size distribution by laser diffraction particle size analysis, less than 15 micrometers. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is in the form of a powder having the following properties.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the component is preferably an electrical or electronic component selected from an electrical connector, a switchgear, and a circuit breaker.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the component is preferably a mechanical component selected from ball bearings.

11. A propulsion system for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the lubricating oil composition (COMP) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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