Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Researchers of Tartu develop ‘space grease’

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PhD student Triinu Taaber working in the laboratory of physics of nanostructures.

Credit: Andres Tennus

Abstract:
The Estonian Materials Technologies Competence Centre (MATECC) has just signed an agreement with the European Space Agency. Researchers of the centre and of the University of Tartu will start to develop a nanotechnology lubricant suitable for extreme conditions.

Researchers of Tartu develop ‘space grease’

Tartumaa, Estonia | Posted on April 8th, 2015

Shuttles and equipment used in space consist of numerous elements and have several friction-prone details, the surface of which must be greased to ensure smooth operation. Due to extreme temperature, pressure and radiation conditions, conventional oils and greases cannot be used in space. This is why solid substances such as molybdenum disulfide and graphite are preferred for space usage. These materials are continuously developed to achieve a sufficiently long action time and reliability required for space applications.

Now that Estonia is about to become a full member of the European Space Agency, Estonian enterprises also get the chance to contribute to space-related development. Researchers involved in the activities of the Estonian Materials Technologies Competence Centre have been studying friction mechanisms and the characteristics of materials on the nanoscale for several years already and developed novel additives to lubricant oils together with the industry. The acquired knowledge and experience will be also used in the new cooperation project with the European Space Agency.

Martin Järvekülg, Research Fellow in Materials Science at the University of Tartu and Project Manager of the Estonian Materials Technologies Competence Centre said that the aim of the cooperation between the centre and the European Space Agency is to develop a lubricant based on the combination of nanoparticles and ionic liquids. In normal environment, ionic liquids are liquid salts with extremely low volatility.

"The novel lubricant must be effective under both normal pressure and under vacuum, both in high and low temperatures," said Järvekülg. If the researchers succeed in combining the strengths of liquid and solid lubricants in the new compound material, the results of the project can be also used elsewhere, where the extreme environment or the specifics of application place higher demands on the materials.

The first stage of the project lasts for one year and will, among others, also involve the researchers and degree students of the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics of the University of Tartu. One of the main implementers of the project is Triinu Taaber, Specialist of the Estonian Materials Technologies Competence Centre and doctoral student of the UT.

According to the Vice Rector for Development of the University of Tartu Erik Puura, the signed international agreement proves that the competence and facilities of the researchers of Tartu are world-class in the field of nanotechnology.

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About University of Tartu
UT is Estonia's leading centre of research and training. It preserves the culture of the Estonian people and spearheads the country's reputation in research and provision of higher education. UT belongs to the top 3% of world's best universities.

As Estonia's national university, UT stresses the importance of international co-operation and partnerships with reputable research universities all over the world. The robust research potential of the university is evidenced by the fact that it is the only Baltic university that has been invited to join the Coimbra Group, a prestigious club of renowned research universities.

UT includes nine faculties and four colleges. To support and develop the professional competence of its students and academic staff, the university has entered into bilateral co-operation agreements with 64 partner institutions in 23 countries.

The University of Tartu was founded in 1632 by the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus. It was initially called Academia Dorpatensis. The necessary preparations for creating a university in Tartu (then Dorpat) were made by Johan Skytte, governor general of Livonia.

Academia Dorpatensis, modelled after the University of Uppsala in Sweden, was intended to pursue research and advance learning in a wide variety of disciplines. The University of Tartu (UT) has continued to adhere to this approach throughout the centuries, and remains today the only classical university in Estonia. Research at UT focuses on subjects as diverse as medicine and philosophy, genetics and computer science.

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Contacts:
Ave-Lii Idavain
+37256673611

Additional information:

Martin Järvekülg
UT Research Fellow in Materials Science
Project Manager
Estonian Materials Technologies Competence Centre
tel: +372 5804 6994

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