Krytox™ lubricants have been a trusted solution in the aerospace industry for more than half a century. Since their introduction in the 1960s, these PFPE-based oils and greases have become essential in aircraft, spacecraft, and life-support systems thanks to their exceptional stability, chemical inertness, and unmatched ability to perform under extreme conditions.
At DGE, we’ll explore what defines “aerospace grades” of Krytox products, why they are a preferred choice for aerospace OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, and how their performance characteristics support reliable operation in demanding environments.
Why Krytox excels in aerospace applications
Aerospace engineering requires lubricants that can withstand conditions far beyond the capabilities of conventional oils and greases. Krytox meets these demands through unique chemistry and performance attributes.
PFPE chemistry + PTFE thickener for exceptional stability
Krytox lubricants are formulated with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and often use a PTFE-based thickener in greases. This provides:
- Complete chemical inertness
- Non-flammability
- Wide thermal operating ranges
- Very low volatility
Performance under extreme conditions
Krytox aerospace lubricants resist:
- High and low temperatures
- Mechanical load
- Oxidizers and aggressive chemicals
- Vibration and shock
- Radiation and vacuum conditions
These characteristics enable dependable long-term lubrication in environments where most lubricants degrade rapidly.
Long service life
Many Krytox greases can operate for years without relubrication, reducing maintenance intervals—an essential advantage for sealed or inaccessible aerospace components.
Overview of Krytox aerospace grades
Krytox offers several product families designed for aerospace requirements, including:
- Krytox 240-series greases
General-purpose aerospace greases meeting MIL-PRF-27617 Types I–III. - Krytox 250-series (EP)
Formulated for higher-load conditions. - Krytox 283-series
Includes anti-corrosion additives. - Krytox FPG series
Specialty grades that meet MIL-PRF-27617 Type IV. - Krytox 143-series oils
PFPE oils for applications requiring a fluid lubricant.
These families provide a broad range of viscosities and performance characteristics to support different aerospace engineering needs.
Krytox and MIL-PRF-27617 qualification (QPD listing)
Several Krytox aerospace greases are listed on the Qualified Products Database (QPD) under MIL-PRF-27617, a key military performance specification for PFPE-based lubricating greases.
Being included in the QPD means that specific Krytox products have been evaluated and approved according to the requirements of this specification—an important indicator of quality and reliability for aerospace stakeholders.
This qualification underscores Krytox’s long-standing reputation and its suitability for highly demanding and safety-critical aerospace environments.
Where Krytox aerospace lubricants are used
Krytox lubricants appear across a wide range of aerospace systems, including:
- Bearings and rotating equipment
- Valves and seals
- Actuation mechanisms
- Electrical and electronic components
- Spacecraft systems exposed to vacuum or extreme temperatures
Their stability and non-reactive nature make them a preferred solution wherever performance, longevity, and material compatibility are priorities.
Why “aerospace grade” matters
In aerospace environments, a lubricant must offer more than performance—it must offer predictability, material compatibility, and consistency over long periods. Aerospace-grade Krytox lubricants meet these expectations through:
- Verified reliability
- Stable performance across extreme conditions
- Compatibility with a broad range of materials
- Low volatility and high thermal stability
- Compliance with key industry specifications
This combination has made Krytox a benchmark for mission-critical aerospace lubrication.
Aerospace reliability, engineered by Krytox
Krytox aerospace grades deliver a unique combination of chemical inertness, thermal stability, and long-term reliability that makes them indispensable in aviation and spaceflight. Their listing on the MIL-PRF-27617 QPD further reinforces their recognition as high-performance lubricants suitable for the most demanding aerospace environments.
Whether used in aircraft, spacecraft, or supporting systems, Krytox continues to be trusted where failure is not an option and performance must endure.
