Researchers at Samara Polytech have designed novel methods for producing high-temperature lubricants for gas turbine engines. The results of the study are published in the journal Petroleum Chemistry.
The aviation industry is constantly in need of lubrication optimization as quality is frequently assessed with ever-increasing technology demands. Specifically, increases in temperature loads and oil replacement times are two primary limitations. Perhaps the most important requirement for oil quality is high thermo-oxidative stability, or the lubricant's ability to work efficiently at high temperatures and maintain engine operation. The researchers met these requirements by synthesizing oil composition with esters from adamantane derivatives. The advantages to the new high-temperature lubricant are seen in the unique adamantane frame and carbon atoms similar to a diamond cell structure. This provides the adamantane with significant thermal stability and resistance to oxidation.