History of Dicronite® as an
Aerospace Lubricant
The Original Dry Film Aerospace Lubricant
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy challenged a young U.S. program known as NASA to beat the Russians to the moon. Named the Apollo Missions, the project proved challenging to existing technology.
A group of engineers lead by Robert D. Nelson was tasked with solving a critical system problem: How to lubricate intricate mechanical components for the lifetime of a mission in space’s extremely harsh environment.
The answer was discovered when a relatively uncommon material, tungsten disulfide (WS2), was modified and applied to component surfaces using a revolutionary application process requiring no cure time, binders, adhesives, or carriers.
The substance and application process was named Dicronite®, DL-5®, for its consistent .5µ thickness (‘Di’ for ‘½’, and ‘cron’ for ‘micron’).
Robert Nelson patented Dicronite® in 1965, and its lubricity, thickness, and temperature/vacuum stability was paramount to the success of not only the Apollo missions, but many missions to follow.
It is likely that Dicronite® has earned a seat on every US spacecraft to orbit
Dicronite® Coating
Aerospace Lubricant Requirements
Lubrication for space travel is quite challenging. Aerospace lubricants must perform when exposed to extremely low ambient pressures (vacuum level can range between 1×10−6 to < 1×10−17 Torr), extreme temperatures, a radiation and atomic oxygen environment, and contamination by vapors.
Dicronite® dry film provides lubrication in extreme environments without compromising precision tolerances.
Dicronite® Functional Properties
The following table shows the Dicronite® properties that make it an effective aerospace lubricant.
| Thermal stability | vacuum stability | load capacity | Maximum thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 538° C (1000° F) | TML < 1.0% | Same as Substrate | 0.5 micron |
| Down to -188°C (-305°F) | CVCM < 0.1% | Up to 350,000 psi | 0.00002 inch |
Click here to view the entire Technical Data Sheet
Aerospace Lubricant Applications
While meeting space’s extreme requirements proves to be no problem for Dicronite®, the foundational question remains: Will it reduce or eliminate problematic friction? The answer is a resounding yes!
It enables an ultra-low coefficient of friction and has prevented countless space missions from lubrication failure as proven by multiple missions’ successful return to earth.
Known Dicronite® Applications
- Precision roller bearings in satellites
- Linear and rotational cryogenic actuators in infrared detectors
- Instrument deployment devices on the Mars Rovers
- Linear and rotational motion devices in satellites and space vehicles
- Hydraulic valves and connectors
- Anti-galling /anti-seize/anti-fretting protection for connectors, fasteners and rivets
- Flanges and couplings in fueling systems
Past Aerospace Missions
Dicronite®’s space journey started in the early 1960’s with the Apollo Missions whose charge was to take mankind to the moon and back – but it did not stop there.
The Mariner Space Probes applied Dicronite® to the surfaces of the rovers’ sliding and rotating components as NASA launched a series of planetary exploration vehicles, collecting data on the planets Mercury, Venus and Mars.
In addition, the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Parker Solar Probe, and countless satellites have relied on Dicronite®’s proven success in space and used the tungsten disulfide coating on moving parts needing maximum lubricity and minimal friction and wear.
Foreign space programs also rely on Dicronite®’s dependable performance in space, like Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. They selected Dicronite® for both linear and rotational actuators in ground-based infrared detectors under cryogenic (-190oC) conditions.
Highlighted Aerospace/Aviation use cases
Click to view/download report.
Future Missions in Aerospace
Just as exciting as Dicronite®’s past missions into space are the future applications aimed to explore the final frontier.
One such voyage is on the Europa Clipper, designed for the 2024 investigation of Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Dicronite® is specified on several components used as astronauts study the icy moon’s ability to harbor life-sustaining conditions.
Dicronite® is also required on parts of NASA’s rotorcraft, Dragonfly. Dragonfly is the spacecraft heading to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. Their 2027 mission is to “search for the building blocks of life” despite it’s -180° C surface temperature, a temperature proven to be within Dicronite®’s limits.
We are proud to be a part of the ongoing effort in all industries to improve performance, redefine limits, and advance new technology by reducing friction and wear within mechanical systems.
For more information regarding Dicronite®’s use on spacecraft or any other mechanical system on this planet or another, contact us today!
The original aerospace dry film.
Dicronite® is a dry film lubrication made up of tungsten disulfide.
It can be applied to all metals, most plastics and some ceramics; may be applied on other coatings and platings as well.
COATING THICKNESS – 0.5 micron (0.00002 inch) or less
THERMAL STABILITY – up to 538°C in air; 1316°C in vacuum
COMPATIBILITY – compatible with greases, oils, fuels, fluids, and many solvents.
Dicronite® is applied at one of many worldwide licensed coating facilities.
After surface preparation, Dicronite® is impinged onto the surface at high velocity.
The material includes no binders or adhesives and requires no curing.
All you have to do is:
- Tell us about your application
- Send components to one of our application facilities
- Receive your expertly coated parts with little lead time.
Dicronite® has various application facilities that can provide the following quality certifications:
NADCAP
ITAR
ISO9001
AS9100
Submit an official quote today.
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