Dry Film Lubricants

Lubrication Is Key

Selecting the proper lubricant is critical for manufacturers looking to produce products with optimal performance and long wear life. In many applications, silicone- or hydrocarbon-based greases and oils are used on moving parts. However, these lubricants are liquids that are applied wet and can easily attract dirt, dust, and other contaminants. A dry film lubricant is preferred In lubrication applications where liquid oils and greases cannot be used and surfaces must remain clean.

What Is a Dry Film Lubricant?

Dry film lubricants, also known as solid film lubricants, are coatings with a low coefficient of friction that lubricate and protect surfaces from wear, galling, and seizing during repetitive sliding motions. Unlike traditional fluid lubricants, dry film coatings form a solid film that does not attract contaminants that hinder the lubricant's efficiency. Dry film lubrication is especially useful in applications where extreme temperatures may vaporize or freeze a fluid lubricant and where regular lubricant reapplication is not possible. Most dry film coating formulations are based on fluoropolymer or molybdenum disulfide chemistry.

Chemours DryFilm RA Dispersions

DryFilm RA dispersions are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dispersions from Chemours that are ideally suited to formulate dry film lubricants. Unlike the PTFE used in many other dry film lubricants, Chemours DryFilm PTFE is produced by a special solvent-based polymerization technique that creates PTFE particles with a smaller molecular weight and higher surface area. This leads to dry film lubricants that produce a coating film with an extremely low static coefficient of friction, excellent high-temperature stability, and outstanding chemical resistance. Additionally, the high surface area of Chemours DryFilm PTFE particles allows it to cover surfaces using less polymer, making it more cost-effective.

Typical applications where DryFilm dispersions excel in dry film lubricants are as follows.

 

• Manufacturing of machine parts and fittings, such as nuts, bolts, connectors, locks, and instruments
• Lubrication of leather, plastics, and elastomers for use in drive belts, gaskets, and bearings
• Metalworking operations, including extrusion, rolling, sizing, and drawing
• Lubrication of precision audiovisual equipment
• Manufacturing and finishing of furniture and hardware for construction, such as door hinges and electrical switches
   

How to Use DryFilm RA Dispersions in Dry Film Lubricants

Lubricants containing DryFilm RA dispersions can be applied to substrates using several methods, including dipping, wiping, brushing, and spraying. The best practices for preparing surfaces for coating and applying DryFilm lubricants are outlined below.

Surface Preparation

As with most coatings, surfaces should be clean and dry prior to applying DryFilm lubricants. Controlling the surface roughness improves coverage, especially in air-dried applications.

Dilution

Chemours DryFilm RA Dispersions are extendable and allow users to customize the dispersion for ease of application and adequacy of coating coverage. DryFilm RA Dispersions come dispersed in three different solvents and can be extended with additional amounts of the base solvent, as detailed below.

Application

DryFilm can be applied to many types of substrates, including plastics, metals, elastomers, and leather. Recommended application methods include dipping, brushing, wiping, and spraying. Spraying may be done using air, aerosol, or airless techniques.

Drying

Like with any other applied coating, drying is best done in an area relatively free from dust. Drying times for DryFilm coatings depend on the dispersion type and the thickness of the application. In general, increasing the temperature of the drying area will reduce drying times.

Heat Fusing

Due to the high-temperature stability of the PTFE in DryFilm dispersions, heat fusion to the applied surface may improve adhesion. Once the lubricant is dry, the deposited solids can be melted by raising the surface temperature to 305°C–310°C for 5–10 minutes.

Summary & Conclusion

Dry film lubricants are good alternatives to liquid lubricants in applications that require permanent lubrication at high temperatures with minimal contamination. DryFilm RA dispersions from Chemours are dispersions of low–molecular weight PTFE particles that produce dry films with outstanding lubricity and excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemical attacks. The low molecular weight of these particles increases coverage and reduces the material required to provide excellent lubrication. Click below to request your sample of DryFilm.