Solid Aromatic Polymers Stabilize Perfluoropolyether Oils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Perfluoropolyether oils and greases experience degradation and loss of lubricating performance at high temperatures in oxidizing environments and in the presence of metals, with existing fluorinated additives requiring high concentrations that disrupt grease consistency and volatility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-fluorinated aromatic polymers with high softening or melting points, such as polyphenylensulphides, polyphenylenoxides, and polyarylamides, as additives to stabilize perfluoropolyether oils and greases at temperatures above 200°C, reducing oil separation and enhancing thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid fluorinated stabilizing additives are used in high amounts to stabilize perfluoropolyether oils at high temperatures, then thermal stability is improved, but grease consistency deteriorates due to increased liquid separation from solid components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the stabilizing additive from liquid to solid form. Solid aromatic polymers with high melting points (above 150°C) are used instead of liquid fluorinated additives, allowing effective stabilization at high temperatures without disrupting grease consistency or causing liquid separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material strategy by combining aromatic polymer structures (such as polyarylketones, polyarylsulphones, polyamidoimides) that integrate both stabilizing function and grease-compatible physical properties. These composite polymer structures provide thermal stability while maintaining grease consistency through their solid state and high melting points.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid stabilizing additives are used in high amounts to ensure stabilization at high temperatures, then lubricant life is extended, but volatility increases causing additive evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameter by using solid aromatic polymers with high molecular weight and high melting points instead of low-viscosity liquid additives. This parameter change dramatically reduces vapor pressure and evaporation losses while maintaining thermal stability and extending lubricant service life at high temperatures.
3Reliability
If high amounts of liquid additives are used to stabilize perfluoropolyether oils, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but oil separation from thickener increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase state parameter of the additive from liquid to solid, which fundamentally alters the lubricant system's phase behavior. Solid aromatic polymers do not contribute to liquid phase separation from thickeners, thereby maintaining grease structure integrity while providing effective stabilization against thermal degradation and oxidation.
Data Source
AI summary
Use as additive to stabilize perfluoropolyether lubricant oils at high temperatures, preferably higher than 200°C, of a solid polymer at room temperature, having a softening or a melting point higher than 150°C, preferably higher than 200°C, and containing in the repeating unit at least one aromatic ring, preferably in the backbone, and lubricating compositions containing said additive.