Biodeuterated Materials: High-Temperature Lubricants from Algae.

Abstract

Substitution of deuterium for hydrogen imparts an enhanced resistance to oxidation in materials such as lubricants. The exploitation of this and other novel properties of deuterated materials in applications of naval interest is only beginning to be realized. As an alternative to the conventional chemical methods of synthesizing deuterated compounds employing high temperature and reducing conditions, the present work explores the possible advantages of using algae grown in deuterium oxide (D2O) to provide completely deuterated precursors that are suitable for synthesizing a variety of lubricants. By proper choice of organism and growth conditions, it was possible to obtain dense cultures of algae containing 50 to 60% of their dry weight as long-chain fatty acids with different degrees of unsaturation. This report outlines strategies for synthesizing lubricant materials from these fatty acids and discusses the extension of biosynthesis to other deuterated materials such as polymers. Keywords: Biotechnology.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 06, 1986
Accession Number
ADA164913

Entities

People

  • Joseph E. Campana
  • Mark M. Ross
  • Rex A. Neihof

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Deuterium
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fluids
  • Heavy Water
  • High Temperature
  • Hydrogen
  • Mass Spectra
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials
  • Microorganisms
  • Military Research
  • Physical Properties
  • Spectrometry
  • Water

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Polymer Science and Technology
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology