Krytox™ GPL 297 Lubricating Grease: Properties & Lab Use

Krytox™ GPL 297 lubricating grease is a high-performance perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based grease designed for demanding laboratory and industrial applications requiring exceptional chemical inertness, broad temperature stability, and compatibility with sensitive materials.

Product Series

Krytox™ GPL Series (GPL 297)

Base Fluid Chemistry

Perfluoropolyether (PFPE)

Key Property

Chemically inert, non-flammable, non-reactive with most solvents and reagents

Typical Applications

Vacuum systems, O-ring lubrication, valve seals, precision instruments in laboratory settings

SKU

K1547842

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific (referencing Chemours Krytox™ GPL series)

What Is Krytox™ GPL 297 Lubricating Grease?

Krytox™ GPL 297 is a member of the Krytox™ GPL (General Purpose Lubricant) grease series, originally developed by Chemours (formerly DuPont). These greases are formulated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) base oil thickened with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to produce a stable, chemically inert lubricating grease.

The GPL series is widely recognized in research and industrial environments for its outstanding resistance to aggressive chemicals, oxidation, and extreme temperatures. GPL 297 represents a heavier-consistency grease within the GPL family, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring a more substantial lubricating film and enhanced sealing characteristics.

Aladdin Scientific supplies Krytox™ GPL 297 (SKU: K1547842) as part of its portfolio of specialty laboratory reagents and consumables, referencing the Chemours Krytox™ GPL series specifications.

Key Properties and Chemical Compatibility

Krytox™ GPL 297 exhibits several properties that make it uniquely suited for laboratory and precision engineering applications:

• Chemical Inertness: PFPE-based greases are resistant to the vast majority of organic solvents, acids, bases, and oxidizing agents, making them compatible with sensitive experimental setups.
• Non-Flammability: The fully fluorinated backbone renders the grease non-flammable and non-explosive under standard laboratory conditions.
• Thermal Stability: Krytox™ GPL greases are known to perform across a broad temperature range. Specific upper and lower temperature limits for GPL 297 should be confirmed against the Chemours product datasheet.
• Low Vapor Pressure: Suitable for use in vacuum systems and environments where outgassing must be minimized.
• Oxygen Compatibility: PFPE greases are generally compatible with oxygen and oxidizing media, a critical requirement in certain analytical and industrial systems.

Researchers should always verify compatibility with specific substrates and experimental conditions by consulting the official Chemours Krytox™ GPL 297 technical datasheet prior to use.

Common Laboratory Applications

Krytox™ GPL 297 lubricating grease is employed across a wide range of laboratory and research contexts, including:

• Vacuum System Maintenance: Lubrication of stopcocks, ground-glass joints, O-rings, and vacuum pump seals in high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum systems.
• Valve and Fitting Sealing: Provides reliable sealing for gas and liquid handling valves, particularly where chemical resistance is essential.
• Cryogenic and High-Temperature Instruments: Suitable for components exposed to temperature extremes in research instruments (subject to datasheet confirmation of rated temperature range).
• Oxygen Service Equipment: Used in oxygen lines and analytical equipment where hydrocarbon-based lubricants pose a fire or explosion hazard.
• Microfluidics and Precision Assemblies: Applied where contamination by reactive lubricants must be prevented, and inertness to biological and chemical reagents is required.

Its high consistency grade (297) makes it preferable over lighter GPL grades in applications where the grease must stay in place under gravity or moderate mechanical agitation.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidance

Although Krytox™ GPL 297 is chemically inert and non-flammable, standard laboratory safety practices should be observed:

• Storage: Store in original sealed containers at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and ignition sources. Specific storage conditions should be confirmed from the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Handling: Use clean, dedicated applicators to avoid contamination of the grease and the substrates being lubricated. Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact; wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Thermal Decomposition: At temperatures significantly above the rated upper limit, PFPE greases can decompose to yield potentially toxic fluorinated byproducts. Ensure adequate ventilation and do not exceed rated temperatures.
• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations. Consult the SDS for specific disposal guidance.

Always refer to the current Aladdin Scientific SDS and the Chemours Krytox™ GPL 297 technical datasheet for authoritative safety and handling information before use.

Ordering and Product Information

Krytox™ GPL 297 lubricating grease is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU K1547842. Researchers and procurement staff can place orders through the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting the Aladdin Scientific sales team directly.

For volume pricing, custom packaging inquiries, or technical support, please reach out to Aladdin Scientific customer service. Ensure that you reference SKU K1547842 and confirm the required quantity and packaging format at the time of order.

For the most current pricing, availability, and certificate of analysis (CoA) information, please visit the Aladdin Scientific product page or contact your local representative.

Frequently asked questions

What type of base fluid is used in Krytox™ GPL 297?

Krytox™ GPL 297 is formulated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) base oil thickened with PTFE. This fully fluorinated chemistry provides exceptional chemical inertness and thermal stability compared to conventional hydrocarbon or silicone-based greases.

Is Krytox™ GPL 297 compatible with oxygen service applications?

Yes, PFPE-based greases such as Krytox™ GPL 297 are generally considered compatible with oxygen and oxidizing media, making them suitable for oxygen lines and related equipment where hydrocarbon lubricants pose a safety hazard. Users should verify suitability for their specific system pressure and temperature conditions.

What is the consistency grade of Krytox™ GPL 297 compared to other GPL greases?

Krytox™ GPL 297 is a higher-consistency grease within the GPL series, making it suitable for applications where the lubricant must resist displacement under gravity or mechanical agitation. Lighter grades in the GPL series may be preferred for applications requiring easier spreading or lower torque.

How should Krytox™ GPL 297 be stored to maintain its performance?

Krytox™ GPL 297 should be stored in its original sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for authoritative storage requirements.

Can Krytox™ GPL 297 be used in vacuum systems?

Yes, due to its low vapor pressure and chemical inertness, Krytox™ GPL 297 is well-suited for use in vacuum systems, including lubrication of O-rings, stopcocks, and vacuum pump seals. Its PFPE chemistry minimizes outgassing, helping to maintain system vacuum integrity.

References

1. Chemours Company. Krytox™ GPL Series Lubricants Product Information. Chemours, Wilmington, DE.
2. Aladdin Scientific. Product page: Krytox™ GPL 297 Lubricating Grease, SKU K1547842.

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