High Performing, Low Temperature Operating, Long Lifetime, Aerospace Lubricants, Phase II

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to synthesize, characterize, and test new ionic liquids and formulations as lubricants for aerospace applications. The compounds will have low vapor pressures/outgassing and appropriate thermal stability. Upon addition of the innovative ionic liquids to the base lubricants, a 20% decrease in viscosity, friction coefficient, and wear will result. Minimal corrosive effects of the formulations at will be observed. The formulations will be shown more effective as liquid lubricants for use at low temperatures (-70oC) with long-term operational stability in aerospace systems. Several new ionic liquids will be scaled and a novel formulation will be evaluated in a NASA test bed. The technology will be at a TRL range from 3-4 upon completion of Phase II.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.