Lubrication via nanoscopic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

US7217683B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Rusty L. Blanski · Palmdale, US
• Shawn H. Phillips · Lancaster, US
• Stephen L. Rodgers · Madison, US
• Joseph D. Lichtenhan · Petal, US
• Joseph J. Schwab · Tecate Mission Road, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 5, 2002
• Grant date: May 15, 2007
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C10N2030/06
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Nanoscale chemicals based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and polyhedral oligomeric silicates (POS) are taught as lubricants, mold release agents, and as additives to control the viscosity, lubrication, wear, and thermal properties of conventional lubricous materials. The precisely defined nanoscopic dimensions of POSS materials enable viscosity, miscibility, and thermal properties to be (increased) or reduced (decreased) as desired. A key feature to the successful tailoring of properties is the inherent thermal and chemical stability of the POSS/POS nanostructure and the ability to control its topology and chemical potential to match that of surfaces and other materials.