Krytox is a trademark of a family of high performance synthetic lubricants, (oils, and greases) with a variety of applications.[1] This colourless polymer containing ether functionality that was invented by researchers at DuPont. Krytox oils are a fluorocarbon polymers of polyhexafluoropropylene oxide, with a chemical formula
- F−(CF(CF3)−CF2−O)n−CF2CF3
where the degree of polymerization, n, generally lies within the range n=10-60.[2] This mixture of compounds are collectively known by many names, including perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluoroalkylether (PFAE), or perfluoropolyalkylether(PFPAE). A unique identifier is their CAS registry number, 60164-51-4.
In addition to PFPE, krytox grease also contains telomers of PTFE and in many ways Krytox was designed as a liquid or grease form of PTFE. Krytox is thermally stable to 500 °F, nonflammable (even in liquid oxygen), and insoluble in water, acids, bases, and most organic solvents. It is nonvolatile and is useful over a broad temperature range -60 to >300 °C. Its high resistance to ionizing radiation, make Krytox useful for aerospace and nuclear industry. It can withstand extreme pressure and high mechanical stress.
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Safety
The manufacturer states on Krytox tubes: May cause mild skin and eye irritation. Contact with very hot surfaces (above 500 °F) can generate fumes which can cause coughing or respiratory irritation. Large amounts could lead to lung damage which might not be apparent for several hours. These fumes may also cause flu-like symptoms."
See also
References
- ^ Günter Siegemund, Werner Schwertfeger, Andrew Feiring, Bruce Smart, Fred Behr, Herward Vogel, Blaine McKusick “Fluorine Compounds, Organic” Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002. doi:10.1002/14356007.a11_349
- ^ DuPont Krytox Performance Lubricants Product Overview, available online here
External links
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