Krytox™ GPL 215 Lubricating Grease: Properties & Lab Use Guide

Krytox™ GPL 215 lubricating grease is a high-performance, perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based grease thickened with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that delivers outstanding chemical inertness, broad temperature stability, and reliable lubrication for demanding laboratory and industrial research applications.

Base Oil Type

Perfluoropolyether (PFPE)

Thickener

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Chemical Inertness

Inert to virtually all solvents, acids, bases, and oxidizers

Oxygen Compatibility

Safe for use in oxygen-rich environments

Vapour Pressure

Extremely low; suitable for vacuum applications

Consistency Grade

NLGI Grade 1.5 (medium grease; verify with manufacturer datasheet)

SKU

K1547832

What Is Krytox™ GPL 215 Lubricating Grease?

Krytox™ GPL 215 is part of the Chemours (formerly DuPont) Krytox™ GPL (General Purpose Lubricant) series, a family of greases formulated with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) base oils thickened with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solids. These fully fluorinated lubricants are distinguished by their exceptional chemical stability: because the polymer backbone consists entirely of carbon–fluorine and carbon–oxygen bonds, the grease resists attack by nearly all organic solvents, concentrated acids, strong bases, and powerful oxidizing agents.

The GPL 215 grade is designed for applications requiring a medium-consistency, multipurpose lubricant that can perform reliably across a wide temperature range and in chemically aggressive or oxygen-rich service environments. In research settings, it is commonly encountered in vacuum systems, valve and fitting maintenance, glassware joints, gas-handling equipment, and any assembly where conventional hydrocarbon or silicone greases would degrade, contaminate, or pose a safety risk.

Key Properties and Performance Characteristics

Chemical Inertness: The fully fluorinated PFPE backbone renders Krytox™ GPL 215 compatible with virtually every chemical class encountered in laboratory and industrial research, including strong oxidizers such as liquid and gaseous oxygen, chlorine, and fuming nitric acid. This makes it uniquely suited for oxygen-service lubrication where hydrocarbon greases present a fire and explosion hazard.

Thermal Stability: PFPE-based greases maintain structural integrity over a broad temperature window. While users should consult the official Chemours product datasheet for precise upper and lower service temperature limits of GPL 215, PFPE lubricants in this series are generally serviceable from subambient temperatures through several hundred degrees Celsius.

Low Vapour Pressure: Krytox™ GPL 215 exhibits extremely low volatility, making it an appropriate choice for high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) applications where outgassing from lubricants can compromise chamber cleanliness and experimental integrity.

Non-Flammability: Fully fluorinated PFPE greases do not ignite under standard conditions and are classified as non-flammable, contributing to improved laboratory safety profiles compared with conventional greases.

Electrical Properties: The grease is electrically insulating, which can be advantageous in applications involving electrical connectors or components where lubricant conductivity would be detrimental.

Note: Specific numerical values (e.g., dropping point, penetration number, viscosity at defined temperatures) should be confirmed against the current Chemours GPL 215 technical datasheet, as formulation details may be updated by the manufacturer.

Recommended Laboratory Applications

Krytox™ GPL 215 lubricating grease is recommended for a wide range of research and laboratory uses where chemical compatibility, cleanliness, and safety are paramount:

• Vacuum Systems: Greasing O-rings, rotary seals, and ground-glass joints in rotary vane pumps, diffusion pumps, and turbomolecular pump-backed systems.
• Gas-Handling Equipment: Lubricating valves, regulators, and fittings used with reactive, oxidising, or high-purity gases where contamination by hydrocarbon lubricants is unacceptable.
• Oxygen Service: Approved-class lubrication of valves and fittings in oxygen or strong-oxidizer service lines.
• Cryogenic and High-Temperature Applications: Components that cycle through wide temperature extremes and require a lubricant that will not embrittle at low temperatures or decompose at elevated temperatures.
• Corrosive-Chemical Environments: Instrument fittings, pumps, and mechanical assemblies in contact with aggressive solvents, acids, or bases.
• Cleanroom and Semiconductor Research: Where ultra-low particulate and outgassing profiles are needed.

Always verify suitability for a specific application against the current product datasheet and relevant safety standards before use.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidelines

Handling Precautions: Although Krytox™ GPL 215 is chemically inert and non-flammable under normal conditions, good laboratory practice should always be observed. Avoid heating the grease to temperatures above its recommended service range, as thermal decomposition of PFPE above approximately 260 °C can generate corrosive perfluorinated by-products, including hydrogen fluoride (HF). Do not smoke, use open flames, or allow the grease to contact hot surfaces above its rated temperature. Keep away from incompatible materials such as alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium) and finely divided reactive metals.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling. Under normal use conditions, skin and eye irritation potential is low; however, consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full hazard information before use.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry location in the original sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and evaporation of any carrier components. Recommended storage conditions and shelf-life guidance should be confirmed from the product SDS and datasheet.

Disposal: Dispose of waste grease in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing fluorinated materials. Do not pour down drains.

Always consult the current Chemours Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for GPL 215 for authoritative hazard, first-aid, and regulatory information prior to use.

Procurement and Ordering Information

Krytox™ GPL 215 lubricating grease is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU K1547832. When ordering, confirm the required quantity and container size with your Aladdin Scientific representative to ensure appropriate packaging for your laboratory's throughput and storage capacity.

Quality Assurance: Aladdin Scientific sources reagents and specialty materials from established manufacturers. Lot-specific documentation, including certificates of analysis (CoA) where available, can be requested at the time of order to support quality management and regulatory compliance requirements.

Bulk and Custom Quantities: For large-volume requirements or custom packaging, contact Aladdin Scientific's sales team directly to discuss availability and pricing.

Regulatory and Export Considerations: Certain fluorinated specialty lubricants may be subject to regional import/export controls. Buyers are advised to verify applicable regulations in their jurisdiction prior to procurement.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Krytox™ GPL 215 grease suitable for oxygen service applications?

Krytox™ GPL 215 is based on a fully fluorinated perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oil thickened with PTFE, making it non-reactive with oxygen and strong oxidizers. Unlike hydrocarbon or silicone greases, it does not combust or support ignition in oxygen-enriched atmospheres, which is the critical safety requirement for oxygen-service lubrication of valves and fittings.

Can Krytox™ GPL 215 grease be used in high-vacuum systems?

Yes. Krytox™ GPL 215 has an extremely low vapour pressure, which minimises outgassing and contamination of the vacuum environment. It is widely used for lubricating O-rings, seals, and ground-glass joints in rotary vane pumps and other vacuum equipment. Always confirm compatibility with specific pump materials and operating conditions.

Is Krytox™ GPL 215 compatible with plastics and elastomers commonly found in lab equipment?

Krytox™ GPL 215 is generally compatible with most metals, ceramics, and fluoropolymer elastomers (e.g., Viton®, PTFE). Compatibility with non-fluorinated elastomers such as natural rubber, neoprene, or certain silicone formulations may be limited. Always perform compatibility testing with specific materials before full deployment, and consult the Chemours technical datasheet for detailed material compatibility guidance.

What is the difference between Krytox™ GPL 215 and other grades in the GPL series?

The GPL series greases share the same PFPE/PTFE composition but differ in base oil viscosity and grease consistency (NLGI grade). Higher number grades (e.g., GPL 226) are generally stiffer, while lower number grades are softer. GPL 215 is a medium-consistency grade suited to general-purpose laboratory and light mechanical applications. Consult the Chemours GPL series product guide to select the optimal grade for your specific operating conditions.

How should Krytox™ GPL 215 grease be applied to O-rings and seals?

Apply a thin, uniform film of Krytox™ GPL 215 to clean, dry O-rings or seal surfaces using a gloved finger or a clean applicator. Avoid over-application, which can cause excess grease to migrate into the system. Ensure the surfaces are free from dust, old lubricant residue, and chemical contaminants before application to achieve optimal sealing performance.

References

1. Chemours Company. Krytox™ GPL Series Lubricants Product Information. Chemours Technical Datasheet.
2. Chemours Company. Safety Data Sheet: Krytox™ GPL 215 Lubricating Grease. (Current version).
3. Aladdin Scientific. Product Listing: Krytox™ GPL 215 Lubricating Grease, SKU K1547832.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.