Solid gallium is used as a lubricant on bearings made of compatible materials. Such lubricants perform well in a high vacuum and under low temperature

Buckley, D. H.

English

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NASA TECH BRIEF 
May 1964	 Brief 63-10337 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Gallium Is Useful Bearing Lubricant in High-Vacuum Environmbnt 
The problem: To find a bearing lubricant that is 
effective in a high vacuum. Most ordinary lubricants, 
both liquid and solid, vaporize much too rapidly to be 
used for extended periods in space or in other 
high vacuum environments even at very low tempera-
tures. 
The solution: Use solid gallium (m.p. = 86°F., 
b.p. = 3,600°F.) as a lubricant in conjunction with 
bearings made of compatible materials. 
How it's done: Many materials are chemically re-
active with gallium, but others such as tantalum, 
zirconium, tungsten, carbon (graphite), ceramic, and 
glass are relatively impervious at low temperatures. 
Bearings made of these materials and lubricated with 
gallium will consequently perform quite well in a high-
vacuum, low-temperature environment. Still other 
materials react with gallium to form gallium-rich 
intermediates, some of which provide adequate 
boundary lubrication with acceptable wear at room 3 
temperature even though the pressure is as low as 10 
millimeter of mercury. Materials of this lubricant-
forming type include the 52100 and 440-C steels,
which are therefore probably more suitable than any 
other bearing material for use in a very high-vacuum 
environment with gallium as the lubricant. Since 
gallium is an expensive metal it cannot be recom-
mended for use except in special circumstances where 
a less costly lubricant will not suffice. 
Note: 
For further information about this innovation 
inquiries may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B63-10337 
Patent status: NASA encourages the commercial 
use of this invention. It has been patented by 
NASA (U.S. Patent No. 3,072,574), and royalty-free 
license rights will be granted for its commercial devel-
opment. Inquiries about obtaining a license should be 
addressed to NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 
20546.
Source: D. H. Buckley 
(Lewis- 12) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and S pace Administration. Neither the United States Govern. 
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rig hts; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000052 2020-03-11T16:45:37+00:00Z


Gallium useful bearing lubricant in high-vaccum environment

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