Improved Ionic Liquids as Space Lubricants, Phase I

Ionic liquids are candidate lubricant materials. However for application in low temperature space mechanisms their lubrication performance needs to be enhanced. UES Inc in collaboration with Covalent Technologies Inc propose to improve the tribological (lubrication) characteristics of the appropriate ionic liquids through formulation with innovative additive technology. The formulated ionic liquids will be thoroughly characterized to demonstrate their extremely low volatility and non-corrosive extreme pressure anti wear characteristics. The performance of the formulated ionic liquids will be ranked. Highly ranked formulations will be further optimized in Phase II.

Formulated ionic liquid based lubricants can be used in many moving mechanical assemblies such as bearings, gears etc. It can also be used in several electrochemical applications. Lubrication for low temperature space mechanisms is critical to enable reliable and efficient operation of NASA's exploration vehicles. Formulated ionic fluids will be a critical component for longer life of low temperature mechanisms.

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