The automotive revolution calls for high-performance lubricants
The auto industry is changing faster than at any time since its founding well over a century ago. New technologies, regulatory demands, and consumer preferences have touched off a revolution in the kinds of products being offered and the materials, processes, and business models required to build and support them.
Several trends have created this urgency. First is the continued drive toward cleaner, more efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) technology. Another (and related) trend is the continued substitution of lightweight materials for metal and glass in vehicle bodies, powertrains, and cabins. Yet another, and arguably the most influential of these trends, is the fast growth of the electrical vehicle (EV) segment. A report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance indicates that by 2040, EVs will make up nearly 60% of global new car sales.
As automakers reach for more and different materials and technologies to stay relevant, profitable, and compliant, they also need to revisit the less-appreciated details that help support vehicle performance and longevity—and make sure their current solutions are in line with tomorrow’s demands. Lubricants are one of these important details.
Several trends have created this urgency. First is the continued drive toward cleaner, more efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) technology. Another (and related) trend is the continued substitution of lightweight materials for metal and glass in vehicle bodies, powertrains, and cabins. Yet another, and arguably the most influential of these trends, is the fast growth of the electrical vehicle (EV) segment. A report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance indicates that by 2040, EVs will make up nearly 60% of global new car sales.
As automakers reach for more and different materials and technologies to stay relevant, profitable, and compliant, they also need to revisit the less-appreciated details that help support vehicle performance and longevity—and make sure their current solutions are in line with tomorrow’s demands. Lubricants are one of these important details.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Temperature extremes
Many lubricants are simply unsuited to the demands posed by the new automotive landscape. Most petroleum-based greases are impacted by temperatures above 100 °C (212 °F), at which point they begin degrading. Synthetic lubricants like diesters, polyalkylene glycols, and polyalphaolefins are similarly vulnerable. Silicones have a somewhat higher temperature threshold, but still lack the stability and performance characteristics required at extreme temperatures.
Material compatibility
With alternatives to glass and metal increasingly a part of auto design, automakers need lubricants that are compatible with all of them. (Certain lubricant formulations degrade plastics and elastomers.) The right lubricants harmonize disparate vehicle materials without damaging them and help manage potential noise and vibration caused by material choices.
Dielectric properties
As a lightweight sealant and insulator, dielectric grease has long been a crucial tool for protecting vehicles’ electric connections against corrosion and heat/water damage. It also reduces the amount of force and friction required to mate electrical connections, increasing their strength and longevity. These qualities are essential in ICEs, and even more so in EVs, with their complex wiring requirements.
Many lubricants are simply unsuited to the demands posed by the new automotive landscape. Most petroleum-based greases are impacted by temperatures above 100 °C (212 °F), at which point they begin degrading. Synthetic lubricants like diesters, polyalkylene glycols, and polyalphaolefins are similarly vulnerable. Silicones have a somewhat higher temperature threshold, but still lack the stability and performance characteristics required at extreme temperatures.
Material compatibility
With alternatives to glass and metal increasingly a part of auto design, automakers need lubricants that are compatible with all of them. (Certain lubricant formulations degrade plastics and elastomers.) The right lubricants harmonize disparate vehicle materials without damaging them and help manage potential noise and vibration caused by material choices.
Dielectric properties
As a lightweight sealant and insulator, dielectric grease has long been a crucial tool for protecting vehicles’ electric connections against corrosion and heat/water damage. It also reduces the amount of force and friction required to mate electrical connections, increasing their strength and longevity. These qualities are essential in ICEs, and even more so in EVs, with their complex wiring requirements.
THE PROMISE OF PFPEs
Synthetic perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants have the physical and chemical properties required to stand up to the most demanding automotive applications. Thanks to their unique chemistry, PFPE lubricants offer excellent thermal and chemical stability, low volatility, and unmatched lubricity, even at extreme temperatures. In many cases, warranties on critical vehicle engine or structural parts can be extended thanks to the durability of this class of lubricants.
Krytox™ brand lubricants are a portfolio of PFPE-based products designed to meet or exceed the most stringent performance standards. Available as both greases and oils, Krytox™ lubricants provide these and many other benefits in automotive applications:
Extreme temperature performance
Krytox™ lubricants maintain their lubricity from -73 °C to greater than 360 °C (-99 °F to 680 °F), depending upon operating conditions and product grade.
Inertness
Krytox™ lubricants won’t harm painted surfaces, plastics, or elastomers. They are compatible with nearly every material they might contact and resist migration.
Chemical stability
Krytox™ lubricants withstand exposure to fuel, coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, washer solvent, and even battery acid for dependable long-term performance.
Outstanding dielectric properties
Krytox™ lubricants are excellent insulators and have become the lubricant of choice for many automotive electrical applications.
Krytox™ brand lubricants are a portfolio of PFPE-based products designed to meet or exceed the most stringent performance standards. Available as both greases and oils, Krytox™ lubricants provide these and many other benefits in automotive applications:
Extreme temperature performance
Krytox™ lubricants maintain their lubricity from -73 °C to greater than 360 °C (-99 °F to 680 °F), depending upon operating conditions and product grade.
Inertness
Krytox™ lubricants won’t harm painted surfaces, plastics, or elastomers. They are compatible with nearly every material they might contact and resist migration.
Chemical stability
Krytox™ lubricants withstand exposure to fuel, coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, washer solvent, and even battery acid for dependable long-term performance.
Outstanding dielectric properties
Krytox™ lubricants are excellent insulators and have become the lubricant of choice for many automotive electrical applications.
THE ONE CONSTANT
Whatever changes are ahead for automotive technology, one constant remains: the importance of premium lubricants for delivering the performance and reliability OEMs and other automotive component makers stake their reputations on, as well as the driving experience consumer’s desire. The right lubricants can help maintain the expected levels of safety, efficiency, reliability, and comfort in advanced auto designs—both today and for the road ahead.
Learn more about Krytox™ performance lubricants at krytox.com.
Learn more about Krytox™ performance lubricants at krytox.com.
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