The objective of the proposed investigation is the development of advanced space lubrication systems to replace the currently employed perfluoropolyalkylethers which promote metal corrosion and undergo degradation under boundary lubrication conditions. The lubricants use novel, to be synthesized, polysilahydrocarbon base fluids and are formulated with novel antioxidant and lubricity enhancing additives. The base fluids are expected to be involatile, to exhibit high viscosity indexes and to possess viscosity/temperature profiles approximating those of the perfluoropolyalkylethers. The to be prepared additives are expected to have volatility characteristics comparable to those of the base fluids and to function in any hydrocarbon based lubricant.Commercial Applications:The successful execution of the proposed investigation should result in the development of an involatile, wide temperature fluid range lubricant to be used in long term operations such as space instrumentation and any other device where uninterrupted lifetime performance at extremes of temperature is mandatory.
