PFPE oil's radiation resistance makes it a uniquely suitable lubricant for use in radiation-prone environments, such as the nuclear industry. This property allows the lubricant to maintain a stable chemical structure and lubricating effectiveness even under the influence of radiation, providing reliable protection for the safe operation of equipment. Nuclear environments are exposed to various ionizing radiation, which can damage the molecular structure of traditional lubricants, degrading their performance and causing them to lose their lubricating properties. However, PFPE oil, thanks to its unique molecular structure, is resistant to the effects of radiation and maintains stable lubricating properties in complex radiation environments.
This radiation resistance prevents PFPE oil from undergoing molecular chain breakage or chemical decomposition under radiation, thereby maintaining the stability of its physical and chemical properties. Conventional lubricants are easily damaged by radiation energy, resulting in a decrease in viscosity, an increase in acidity, and even the formation of corrosive substances. This not only reduces lubrication effectiveness but can also damage equipment. PFPE oil, however, has strong carbon-fluorine bonds that resist the impact of radiation energy, minimizing molecular damage. This allows the oil to maintain suitable viscosity, fluidity, and lubricity even after long-term radiation exposure, ensuring undiminished lubrication effectiveness.
In the lubrication areas of nuclear equipment, radiation resistance ensures the integrity of the lubricating film and reduces the risk of radiation-induced lubrication failure. A stable lubricating film is crucial for reducing friction and wear during equipment operation. If the lubricating oil degrades due to radiation, the lubricating film becomes brittle and easily broken, leading to direct contact between metal surfaces, severe wear, and even seizures. PFPE oil's radiation resistance ensures that the lubricating film it forms maintains continuity and strength in radiation environments, effectively isolating friction surfaces, reducing wear on equipment components, extending equipment life, and mitigating the risk of failure due to lubrication failure.
Radiation resistance also reduces the decomposition products of PFPE oil in radiation environments, minimizing harm to equipment and the environment. Conventional lubricants may produce volatile organic compounds or corrosive gases when decomposed by radiation. These substances not only pollute the environment but also corrode metal components and sealing materials, compromising equipment safety and sealing. PFPE oil, on the other hand, produces fewer decomposition products under radiation, and these products are generally chemically stable, less likely to corrode equipment and produce no harmful volatile substances. This minimizes environmental impact and meets the stringent safety and environmental requirements of specialized environments such as the nuclear industry.
For nuclear equipment that requires long-term operation, the radiation-resistant properties of PFPE oil extend lubricant change cycles, reducing maintenance costs and radiation exposure risks. Replacing lubricants in a radiation environment is not only complex but also increases workers' radiation exposure. Frequent changes also increase equipment downtime and maintenance costs. PFPE oil, due to its excellent radiation resistance, exhibits slow degradation in radiation environments, maintaining effective lubrication over time. This reduces the frequency of lubricant changes, lowers safety risks and reduces maintenance costs, thereby improving equipment operation continuity and cost-effectiveness.
The radiation-resistant properties of PFPE oil enable it to adapt to the varying radiation intensity environments found in the nuclear industry, ensuring the lubrication needs of equipment in diverse radiation zones. Nuclear equipment is located in areas with varying radiation intensities, ranging from low to high radiation, making it difficult for traditional lubricants to maintain consistent performance across this range. PFPE oil's radiation-resistant properties ensure stable lubrication across a wide range of radiation intensities, providing reliable lubrication protection for equipment in both low-radiation auxiliary areas and high-radiation core areas. This eliminates the need for frequent lubricant changes based on radiation intensity, making lubrication management more convenient.
Furthermore, PFPE oil's radiation resistance, combined with its other excellent properties, forms a comprehensive lubrication protection system. In nuclear industry environments, equipment not only faces radiation challenges but may also be exposed to complex operating conditions such as high temperatures and contact with chemical media. In addition to its radiation resistance, PFPE oil also possesses properties such as high-temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. These properties work together to maintain stable lubrication under multiple harsh conditions, providing comprehensive lubrication protection for nuclear industry equipment, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient operation of equipment in these challenging environments and providing important support for the smooth operation of nuclear industry production.
