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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
The synthetic lubricant Krytox, a perfluorinated polyether, is widely used in the aerospace industry because it is thermally stable, chemically inert, and safe to use on gaseous or liquid oxygen components. This high degree of stability also makes it extremely difficult to remove. There are just a few solvents that can remove Krytox, such as Novec 7100 and Next 3000. These are expensive and are not effective at removing non-fluorinated greases and oils Aqueous detergents are safer for humans and the environment than most solvents. Aqueous detergents are nonflammable, disposal is less expensive. Aqueous detergents can effectively clean a wide range of parts; removing all types of soil, grease, and other contaminants. Aqueous detergents can also be used to passivate surface of parts, add a rust inhibitor, or brighten the surface of the part. For these reasons, an aqueous detergent that could remove Krytox would be even more valuable. There are currently no aqueous detergents that can effectively remove Krytox. The purpose of this Center Innovation Fund (CIF) call is to provide funding to test a wide range of detergent building blocks such as surfactants, builders, hydrotropes and anti-redeposition reagents with the goal of creating a detergent capable of removing Krytox from contaminated parts. Such a detergent would be patentable, and could be turned into a commercially available product.
The Project Objective is to create an aqueous detergent capable of removing Krytox. This project falls under TX12.4.4 Sustainable Manufacturing. The capability gap is Explore-Advanced Materials, Structures, and Manufacturing. This technology would be transformative. The technology push is that environmental regulations are going to require new solvents and oxygen part cleaning is relevant to any system needing oxygen service.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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