Ionic Liquid Lubricant Composition for Polar Base Stock Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant compositions using CFx-containing ionic liquids are non-biodegradable, have lower thermal stability, and require complex production processes with increased costs due to the use of multiple ionic liquids, limiting their application to non-polar base stocks.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant composition comprising 20 to 99.5 wt.% of a base oil with solubility for methyltrioctylammonium-bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and 0.5 to 80% wt.% of an ionic liquid with a bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, allowing for high polar base stock inclusion and sufficient thermal stability up to 180°C, without using bta-containing ionic liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CFx-containing ionic liquids are used as lubricant additives, then thermal stability and electrical conductivity are improved, but biodegradability deteriorates and persistence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing CFx-containing anions with Fsi anions in the ionic liquid structure. This parameter change maintains the lubricant's thermal stability and electrical conductivity while eliminating the persistence issue, as Fsi-based ionic liquids are biodegradable unlike CFx-containing ones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ionic liquids based on Fsi anions that are designed to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly, replacing persistent CFx-containing ionic liquids. These Fsi-based ionic liquids can be considered as environmentally disposable additives that break down naturally, eliminating long-term persistence in the environment
2Reliability
If multiple ionic liquids are used in lubricant composition, then tribological properties are improved, but production process complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple ionic liquids into a single Fsi-based ionic liquid formulation. Instead of using separate ionic liquids for different purposes (as described in EP 3 872 154), the invention combines the benefits by using one Fsi-based ionic liquid that provides both tribological performance and electrical conductivity, thereby simplifying the production process
Solution Approach 2:
The Fsi-based ionic liquid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tribological protection, maintains electrical conductivity, and ensures thermal stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate additives, reducing production complexity while maintaining comprehensive lubricant performance
3Quantity of substance
If non-polar base stocks are used, then solubility for traditional ionic liquids is improved, but adaptability to polar applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarity parameter of the ionic liquid by using Fsi anions, which creates a more compatible interaction with polar base stocks. This parameter change enables the ionic liquid to be dissolved in polar base stocks (with >50 wt% polar content) while maintaining solubility, thereby expanding the application range beyond non-polar base stocks
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition achieves good tribological properties in terms of friction, wear, and electrical conductivity with high thermal stability, enabling use in a wide range of applications including polar base stocks and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the base oil having a solubility for the ionic liquid methyltrioctylammonium-bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide of at least 3 wt. % at a room temperature of 20° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant composition, including 20 to 99.5 wt. %, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition, of a base oil, the base oil having a solubility for ionic liquid methyltrioctylammonium-bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide of at least 3 wt. % at a room temperature of 20° C. The base oil contains a base stock A in a proportion of at least 50 wt. %, based on a total weight of the base oil, the base stock A having a solubility for the ionic liquid methyltrioctylammonium-bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide of at least 3 wt. % at a room temperature of 20° C. The lubricant composition further includes 0.5 to 80% wt. %, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, of an ionic liquid whose anion is bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide.