An environmentally compatible solid film lubricant

摘要

The present invention provides a solid film lubricant useful for aerospace and other heavy machinery applications comprising a mixture of boric acid and molybdenum disulfide in a polymeric binder comprising a silicone polymer and an epoxy resin is provided. Boric acid and compounds related to boric acid can be effectively used as inorganic lubricant components in solid film lubricants (SFLs) in place of graphite thereby avoiding galvanic corrosion induced by graphite. The boric acid containing SFL provides superior lubrication at the high stress levels common for booster rockets and other aerospace applications, but without inducing galvanic corrosion, or exposing workers and the environment to toxic materials such as lead compounds. In addition, it affords substantial savings in labor, due to the need for only one coat, and savings in energy due to the substantially lower cure temperature of about 250°C (450°F) compared to 550°C (1000°F) for a currently used two coat ceramic system. There is also a significant savings in time, hazardous waste disposal costs and human protection costs by using the boric acid containing SFL.