Chemours Krytox Lubricants Advantage MIL-G-27617 – Part I

Discovered in 1959, the polymer that would become known worldwide as Krytox showed remarkable thermal and oxidative stability. Potential uses envisioned then included lubricant for the MACH 3+ turbine engine, hydraulic oil, rocket gear box lubricant, and even gyroscope oil.

In 1963, Krytox oil was used in a GE engine test for the supersonic transport aircraft. In 1964, new Krytox PFPE-based grease formulations were developed jointly with the US Navy and the Air Force, resulting in military specification MIL-G-27617, which was developed specifically to cover Krytox. The first commercial sales of Krytox were for non-flammable lubricants for the Apollo space program in 1965.

Prior to 1981, the only commercially available Krytox lubricants were aerospace oil and greases. Since then, PFPE-based oils and greases have been adopted across a very wide range of industries and applications. There are PFPE oils and greases for industrial operations, vacuum pump fluids, incidental food contact, automotive uses, reactive gas, and of course, military applications — to name just a few.

Today, of course, it’s our well-known trademark for high performance synthetic lubricants used for a variety of applications. Krytox oils are made from only fluorine, carbon, and oxygen — a mixture of compounds collectively known by many names — including perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluoroalkylether (PFAE), and perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE). Krytox perfluorinated oils and greases deliver high performance, perform at wide temperature ranges, and provide superior quality lubrication under extreme conditions in comparison to hydrocarbon alternatives. And, with a global distribution network and world-class technical service, Krytox is the lubricant of choice for extreme conditions and extreme performance.

The use of PTFE as a thickener provides superior chemical and thermal stability to all Krytox grease product lines. Many greases are also available with additional anti-wear and anticorrosion additives to further boost performance in critical operations.

Krytox performance lubricants provide superior performance and extended life as lubricants, sealants and dielectrics. With exceptional performance and reliability in the toughest conditions — where productivity matters and downtime costs — Krytox can contribute significantly to lowering the cost of doing business.

The key benefits of Krytox lubricants include:

• Extreme temperature stability, with operating ranges from –75 °C up to 350 °C (–103 °F up to 662 °F) and as high as 400 °C (752 °F) with appropriate metallurgy
• Longer lasting lubricant life
• Decreased equipment failure and maintenance: warranty claims and replacement costs may be reduced
• Increased profits: reduced downtime and maintenance costs
• Odorless and colorless
• Inert, nontoxic, and non-flammable
• Stable in 100% liquid or gaseous oxygen environment
• Global distribution
• World-class technical service

Krytox Base Oil Environmental Advantages

Krytox lubricants provide longer lasting lubrication which reduces frequency of relubrication, not only reducing operating costs, but also reducing waste and potential impact on the environment. Krytox lubricants are undamaged by, and nonreactive with, acidic or caustic cleaners and disinfectants, steam, moisture or high temperatures. The original properties of the fluids can be restored through regeneration, thus reducing or minimizing disposal and incineration. Chemours has a regeneration program that reclaims PFPE fluid. This lowers the overall cost of the fluids and reduces or minimizes safety and environmental disposal problems.

Key environmental benefits specific to Krytox base oil include:

• Chemical, biological, and environmental inertness
• Non-toxic and silicone-free formulation
• No hazardous VOC materials or chlorine content
• Non-hazardous to the atmosphere or ozone layer
• Smaller environmental footprint