What are Krytox lubricants?

Krytox is the trade name for a family of high-performance fluorinated polyether (PFPE) lubricants originally manufactured by DuPont and now by Chemours.

What are Krytox lubricants and why is Krytox™ considered the “gold standard” of lubricants – despite the price?

1. Not Your Ordinary PFPE Chemistry

Krytox™ grease is a pure perfluoropolyether (PFPE) – a chain of carbon and oxygen atoms completely "armored" with fluorine. The absence of hydrogen atoms makes the grease virtually insensitive to water, acids, bases, fuels, process gases, and most solvents . Competitive mineral oils or PAOs oxidize, forming varnishes and coke when exposed to such media – PFPE does not. This chemical inertness is the foundation of the brand's reputation.

2. Temperature spectrum from –75 °C to ≥ 350 °C

Typical GPL and XHT series maintain viscosity and bearing protection from -73°C to 360°C . At temperatures above 250°C, mineral grease will evaporate or burn; PFPE merely slowly "outgasses" non-volatile fractions and continues to lubricate. In cryogenic applications (liquid oxygen valves, space instruments), it does not harden or embrittle. This single tube can replace two or three different lubricant classifications used seasonally.

3. Stability in vacuum and oxygen

PFPE's vapor pressure is extremely low, so it doesn't contaminate semiconductor chambers or satellite gyroscopes. Furthermore, it doesn't support combustion even in pure O₂ at >200 bar . This is why NASA, ESA, and manufacturers of cryogenic equipment and oxygen separation plants include Krytox™ in their safety specifications. Ordinary PTFE-thickened silicone oil would ignite under similar conditions.

4. Resistance to pressure, loads and corrosion

Data from the GPL-225 data sheets show a load capacity exceeding 800 kg in the 4-Ball EP test (ASTM D2596) and a bearing life of >5,000 h at 200 °C / 10,000 rpm. At the same time, PFPE does not form acids upon oxidation, so it does not initiate electrochemical corrosion or pitting of stainless steel. In aircraft turbines or vacuum pumps, it allows for double the service interval.

5. Non-toxicity and industry certifications

The molecule contains only C, O, and F – no chlorine, sulfur, or phosphorus. Therefore, selected grades are NSF-H1 (accidental food contact) and VOC-free according to the EPA. In pharmaceutical plants or on Tetra Pak lines, a single agent can be used across all hygiene zones – saving storage space and auditing procedures.

6. Real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Savings

Expensive to buy, cheap to live with – that's the shortest summary. Chemours MRO analyses indicate that extending the inspection interval for furnace fan bearings from 3 months to >18 months reduced labor-hour costs and downtime by ~70% ( Chemours ). There are many similar case studies (sintered glass conveyors, autoclave bearings, chlorine valves). When it comes to the cost per carbon, not per tube, Krytox™ often wins the deal.

7. Unrivaled in extreme niches

8. Weaknesses of Krytox lubricants – because there are no perfect ones

* Price: 100 g may cost several times more than PAO-NLGI-2.
*Elastomer compatibility*: some silicone and EPDM elastomers swell – FKM / PTFE selection required.
* May require careful degreasing of the surface before application - old mineral residues impair adhesion.

9. Summary

Krytox™ maintains its reputation as “ the best when all else fails ” because:

1. Chemical inertness – does not react, does not corrode.
2. Ultra‑wide temperature range – -75 °C → ≥ 350 °C.
3. Safety – non-flammable, compatible with pure oxygen.
4. Extremely low evaporation – ideal for vacuums and semiconductors.
5. Long service life – real extension of service intervals.
6. Industry certifications – oxygen service, NSF‑H1, FDA, RoHS.
7. Total cost less than failures – despite the high purchase price.

For these reasons, maintenance engineers, space probe designers, and food producers regularly accept the high price of PFPE tubing, treating it as insurance against the risk of production disruptions, oxygen fires, and system contamination. Krytox™ grease becomes the most affordable solution wherever everything else proves too expensive to operate.

A detailed picture and the most important features of Krytox lubricants can be described in several points below:

1. Chemistry and structure

• a) Oil base : liquid fluoropolymers (PFPE) with a stable, chemical-resistant structure.
• b) Thickener: usually fine particles of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that give the grease a paste-like consistency.
• c) No solvents (VOC): practically does not evaporate, does not dry out over time.

2. Temperature range

• a). Extreme cold : it retains its viscosity even at -73 °C, so it will not freeze in the deepest Arctic frosts.
• b). Extreme heat : works up to +260 °C (short-term even higher), does not burn and does not decompose at high temperatures.

3.Chemical resistance

• a) Neutrality : does not react or oxidize in contact with chemicals, salts or acids.
• b) Impermeability : an excellent choice for vacuum environments – it displaces air but does not allow it to penetrate.

4. Applications

• a) Space and aviation industry: rotor bearings, valves, vacuum seals.
• b) Electronics: lubrication of current contacts, high-frequency components.
• c) Automotive: seals, braking and hydraulic system components.
• d) Food and pharmaceutical industry: certified variants approved for contact with food.
• e) Sports and photographic equipment: shock absorbers, guides, joints, where silence and smooth movement are important.

How to determine the benefits of Krytox grease

Traditional, reliable formula: once applied, the lubricant works for years.

Low maintenance – perfect for those who prefer to “greased once and done right.”

If someone ever tells you that "lubricants are lubricants", you can confidently reply: " Lubricants are lubricants - but Krytox is practically art in a can!"

In summary, Krytox greases are synonymous with top-class lubrication in extreme conditions and where absolute reliability counts.