Lubricant compatibility with nickel-based superalloys

In Aerospace and Nuclear, nickel-based superalloys are used in severe environments, particularly when components are exposed to temperature, mechanical stresses, oxidation, or demanding atmospheres. The selected lubricant can affect surface condition, component cleanliness, friction mechanisms, and the evolution of residues after thermal exposure.

Insufficiently characterized lubricant compatibility can lead to the appearance of deposits, changes in surface chemistry, or difficulties during assembly, maintenance, or inspection operations. The assessment must therefore consider the superalloy grade, the lubricant formulation, the contact conditions, and the thermal cycle representative of the process simultaneously.

After lubrication, the surface may display organic films, particulate deposits, traces of additives or products resulting from thermal exposure. Their presence, distribution and adhesion must be assessed in relation to the part’s function and subsequent manufacturing or inspection steps.

The Filab laboratory performs comparative examinations to locate affected areas and guide the identification of the species present. This approach helps distinguish lubricant residue from external contamination or a change inherent to the material.

Characterizing a residue generally requires a combined analytical strategy. Microscopic observation makes it possible to examine the morphology and location of deposits. Elemental microanalysis can then identify the elements present in the selected areas. Depending on the expected nature of the residue, techniques dedicated to identifying organic or inorganic compounds can complement the investigation.

At Filab laboratory, the methods are selected according to the amount of material available, the scale of the defects and the question being addressed: cleanliness testing, identification of contamination, comparison of formulations or analysis after ageing.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Essais d’innocuité des fluides de coupe selon le référentiel PCS-4002
• Essais d’innocuité d’ingrédients à usage temporaire PR-6300
• Analysis and qualification testing of process fluids and products
• Fluid qualification according to DASSAULT DGQT 0.4.2.0065
• Qualification of cutting fluids according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000
• Fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-001
• Fluid qualification testing according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-003
• Fluid qualification testing according to SAFRAN PR 1500 (PR-1500)
• Fluid qualification testing according to Rolls-Royce CSS 129 and CSS 131
• PMUC fluid qualification testing and analysis
• Corrosion testing of cutting fluids on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials
• Safety testing of chemical products on aerospace alloys
• Assessment of the effect of a fluid on aluminium alloys
• Compatibility of process fluids with titanium alloys
• Qualification of aerospace fluids according to BOEING BAC 5008
• Chemical analysis and characterization of cutting fluids
• Physicochemical characterization of industrial lubricants
• Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants
• Investigation of contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing according to DMP 12-300 in the laboratory
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Safety testing of fluids according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

In aerospace and nuclear industries, reliability, traceability and process control requirements make it necessary to document possible interactions between manufacturing consumables and critical materials. Lubricant qualification aims to reduce uncertainty before deployment on nickel-based superalloy components.

It also provides comparative data when changing suppliers, modifying a formulation, updating a process or investigating a surface anomaly.

At the Filab laboratory, the study of nickel-based superalloy lubricant compatibility is built around your industrial needs: material concerned, metallurgical condition, operating conditions, temperature, exposure time, atmosphere and cleanliness requirements. This approach makes it possible to compare a reference condition with a condition after contact with the lubricant.

Investigations may combine surface examination, residue characterization and elemental composition analysis to identify changes that could affect the component. For energy-sector projects, you can also discover the Filab laboratory’s support in energy analysis and nuclear analysis.

The relevance of a test depends on how representative it is. The Filab laboratory defines the specimens, surface preparation, application method, contact time, temperature and atmosphere with you. Aging or cleaning sequences can be incorporated when these steps are part of the industrial cycle.

Results are interpreted according to criteria agreed upon in advance: absence of visible residue, limitation of undesirable elements, preservation of surface condition or comparison of several lubricant formulations.

Comparative analysis is essential for establishing an actionable diagnosis. It may include an unlubricated control sample, a part lubricated before being subjected to stress and a part exposed to operating conditions. This comparison helps link the observed differences to the lubricant, the process or the environment.

The Filab laboratory’s conclusions are based on observations and measurements performed on the submitted samples. They help support a qualification decision, process optimization or formulation selection.

The Filab laboratory adapts the study to your specifications and deadlines. Support may cover technical scoping, test plan definition, sample receipt, analysis and reporting of results.

This approach produces directly actionable data to support your technical decisions, in line with the specific characteristics of the component and its service environment.

Provide the available information about the superalloy, lubricant, operating conditions and acceptance criteria. Whenever possible, supply reference samples and parts after exposure. Work with the Filab laboratory to define an analysis plan representative of your application.

To qualify a formulation, investigate a residue or compare several solutions, contact the Filab laboratory.