Modified Ionic Liquid-Based High-Performance Lubricants for Robotic Operations

NASA requires a highly efficient lubrication system for robotic operations, which will withstand very low temperatures (20 K) and other rigors of outer space and planetary surface operations. Building on prior experience in the materials area, InnoSense LLC (ISL) and an experienced consultant will formulate ionic liquid (IL)-based lubricants that will be not only thermally resistant but also compatible with a variety of raw materials for potential NASA-relevant lubricant formulation. Phase I tasks are designed to develop a library of these lubricant formulations by synthesizing and testing according to specified durability metrics. During Phase I, ISL will demonstrate the proof of concept by formulating IL-based lubricants and evaluating physical properties, coefficient of friction, and thermal tolerance. The Phase II project will focus on optimizing a line of IL-based lubricant formulations, fine-tuning physical properties at extreme temperatures, and investigating electrical applications.