Pennzane™ - MACs
Nye Lubricants holds the exclusive distribution rights to Pennzane™ multiply-alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) fluids originally developed by Pennzoil. These fluids are the foundation of our most advanced oils and greases. Unlike other lubricants on the market, Pennzane lubricants are the only greases and oils that offer the unique combination of extreme wear protection, low outgassing, and additive compatibility for optimal performance in space and other vacuum applications.
Where are Pennzane-Based Lubricants Used?
Pennzane lubricants can be used to lubricate bearings, gears, linear actuators and other precision components as found in applications, such as:
- Space mechanisms
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Other in-vacuum applications
Are Pennzane-Based Lubricants Right For You?
Features & Benefits
When a lubricant outgasses it releases low molecular weight molecules similar to evaporation. This is a function of temperature and pressure. High temperatures and low atmospheric pressures increase outgassing, and high vacuum is the most egregious condition for evaporation of liquid lubricants. The evaporated material can potentially condense on surfaces that would contaminate optics and other sensitive components.
Additionally, the loss of the evaporated molecules changes the properties of the base oil, especially viscosity and properties related to viscosity such as friction and torque, resulting in a reduction of lubricant life. Materials with low vapor pressure have low outgassing and longer life under vacuum conditions.
MAC lubricants exhibit very low vapor pressure and uniquely stable performance under vacuum conditions. Outgassing data is available for all our Pennzane products.
MAC polymers have a molecular structure that resists wear-related breakdown making them ideal for heavily loaded, metal-on-metal applications. MACs also have a high surface tension, which means they have good film strength that will:
- Ensure moving parts are coated to minimize contact & friction
- Reduce oil creep
- Protect components that operate under heavy loads
Pennzane™ Fluids are compatible with a wide range of materials so that they can also be used where plastic parts may come in contact with the lubricant. These fluids can be formulated with a wide variety of additives including anti-wear agents, extreme pressure agents, and antioxidants to achieve the desired performance of the lubricant.
Limitations to Consider
While Pennzane products offer a host of benefits not found anywhere else, they do pose certain limitations. For one, Pennzane products have a limited temperature operating range of -50 °C to 125 °C. If an application, like those found in space, requires the low outgassing and excellent wear performance of a MAC lubricant and the operating temperature is below -50 °C, engineers may consider adding a heater to their design that raises the temperature into the operating temperature range of MACs.
While Nye’s unique Pennzane chemistry can offer trouble free operation for multiple times longer than the next best vacuum capable chemistry, the cost of Pennzane is comparable to other vacuum capable chemistries, when comparing equivalent fill volumes.
If your application requires low outgassing and an extremely wide operating temperature range but does not require the extreme wear performance or specialized additives of a MAC lubricant, a Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) from our NyeTorr® or NyeClean® product line is recommended.
MAC Grease & Oil Products
Nye Lubricants has been working with Pennzane™ Fluids for more than 30 years and offers Pennzane formulations in three different levels of viscosity, which are the 1000 series, 2000 series, & the 3000 series. For bearing applications, a matching “companion” oil is often recommended alongside the grease to properly impregnate the bearing.
Nye’s 1000 series consists of low viscosity lubricants with the best low temperature performance of a MAC product.
| Product | Type | Temperature Range | Outgassing ASTM E595 | Friction & Wear ASTM D5707 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHEOLUBE 1000 | Grease | -50 to 125 °C | TML= 2.307 wt% CVCM= 0.635 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar= .040 mm |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 1001 | Oil | -50 to 125 °C | TML= 2.23 wt% CVCM= 1.064 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar= 0.44mm |
| RHEOLUBE 1000-3PB | Grease | -50 to 125 °C | TML= 1.82 wt% CVCM= 0.208 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar= 0.53 mm |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 1001-3PBNP | Oil | -50 to 125 °C | TML= 0.30 wt% CVCM= 0.066 wt% |
CoF= 0.14 Wear Scar= 0.91 mm |
The 2000 series features the lowest outgassing of any MAC product.
| Product | Type | Temperature Range | Outgassing ASTM E595 | Friction & Wear ASTM D5707 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHEOLUBE 2000 | Grease | -45 to 125°C | TML=2.461 wt% CVCM= 0.729 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar=0.41 mm |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 2001 | Oil | -45 to 125°C | TML= 1.39 wt% CVCM= 0.700 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar= 0.43 mm |
| RHEOLUBE 2000LO | Grease | -45 to 125°C | TML=0.871 wt% CVCM=0.418 wt% |
- |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 2001A | Oil | -45 to 125°C | TML=0.12 wt% CVCM=0.013 wt% |
CoF= 0.19 Wear Scar= 0.80 mm |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 2001-3PB | Oil | -45 to 125°C | TML= 0.33 wt% CVCM= 0.293 wt% |
CoF=0.013 Wear Scar= 0.48 mm |
| RHEOLUBE 2004 | Grease | -45 to 125°C | TML= 1.873 wt% CVCM= 0.104 wt% |
CoF= 0.11 Wear Scar= 0.51 mm |
| RHEOLUBE 2004LO | Grease | -45 to 125°C | TML= 0.772 wt% CVCM= 0.268 wt% |
- |
Nye’s 3000 series is the highest viscosity MAC lubricant available and therefore offers superior wear protection.
| Product | Type | Temperature Range | Outgassing ASTM E595 | Friction & Wear ASTM D5707 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYNTHETIC OIL 3001A | Oil | -10 to 125°C | TML=0.10 CVCM=0.05 |
- |
Want to learn more? Contact an Engineer
To learn more about the technical specifications of our products and to discuss custom formulations, please fill out our Contact Form.
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