Activated gaseous species for improved lubrication

摘要

The present application is directed to methods and devices for altering material properties of lubricants and other cross-linkable compounds comprising organic or organometallic materials through exposure to energized gaseous species. The energized gaseous species may create reactive sites among lubricant molecules that may alter their material properties by cross-linking at least a portion of the lubricant molecules. The cross-linked lubricant may reduce the ability of the lubricant to migrate away when force is applied between lubricated sliding friction surfaces.

主权项

1. A method for treating a lubricant on a surface, comprising:
introducing a gas stream into an activation zone; generating one or more energized gaseous species in the activation zone; moving at least a portion of the gas stream and energized gaseous species apart from the activation zone; separating at least a portion of any charged species generated in the activation zone from the gas stream and retaining at least a portion of any uncharged energized gaseous species in the gas stream; directing the gas stream and retained energized gaseous species in proximity to a lubricant on a surface; and allowing the gas stream and retained energized gaseous species to react with the lubricant, thereby altering the material properties of at least a portion of the lubricant.