Trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether: “Guardian” of propellant valves

In the vast universe, satellites are like human eyes and ears, conveying precious information from space to us. However, the safe operation of these high-tech equipment is inseparable from a key component – propellant valve. The protagonist we are going to introduce today is the “behind the scenes hero” behind this valve – trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether (CAS No.: 83016-70-0). It is not only a chemical substance, but also an indispensable part of the aerospace industry. This article will conduct in-depth discussions on its basic properties, application areas, certification standards and future development trends, and will give you a comprehensive understanding of this magical compound.

Basic Concepts and Structure Analysis

Chemical Name and Molecular Formula

Trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether, with the chemical formula C12H29N3O2, is an organic compound with a complex structure. Its molecular weight is about 263.37 g/mol, and it belongs to a type of amine compound. Due to its unique chemical properties, this substance has been widely used in industrial production and scientific research.

Parameters	Value
Molecular formula	C12H29N3O2
Molecular Weight	263.37 g/mol
CAS number	83016-70-0

Structural Characteristics

From the molecular structure, trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether is composed of two aminoethyl ether units connected by nitrogen atoms, carrying three methyl side chains and one hydroxyethyl group. This complex structure gives it excellent lubricating properties and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material choice in the aerospace field.

Physical Properties

Trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether is a colorless or light yellow liquid with low volatility and high thermal stability. Its density is about 0.95 g/cm³ and its boiling point exceeds 250°C, which can adapt to extreme working environments. In addition, it also exhibits good solubility and can be used in combination with a variety of organic solvents.

Physical Parameters	Value
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow liquid
Density	0.95 g/cm³
Boiling point	>250°C

Application in satellite propellant valves

The importance of propellant valves

Satellite propellant valves are key components for controlling fuel flow, and their performance directly affects the satellite’s attitude adjustment and orbit correction capabilities. Due to the particularity of the working environment, this type of valve needs to have extremely high reliability and durability. Trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether is one of the ideal materials to meet these requirements.

Main Functions

Luction effect
As a lubricant, trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether can form a protective film on the metal surface, reducing friction and extending the service life of the valve.
Anti-corrosion performance
Its powerful corrosion resistance can effectively prevent the erosion of the valve material by propellant and ensure the long-term and stable operation of the system.
Good compatibility
It can maintain good chemical compatibility with various propellants (such as hydrazine, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) and will not cause adverse reactions.

Practical Case Analysis

Taking a certain model of geosynchronous orbit communication satellite as an example, its propellant valve uses trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether as a lubricating additive, significantly improving the reliability of the system. Data shows that the improved valve failure rate has been reduced by nearly 40% and the service life has been increased by about 30%. This fully demonstrates the outstanding performance of this compound in the field of aerospace.

Detailed explanation of ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C certification

Certification Background

The European Cooperation Space Standardization System (ECSS) has developed a series of strict technical specifications aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of aerospace products. Among them, the ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C standard specifically puts forward detailed requirements for lubricants and other functional materials. Passing this certification means that the product has reached the top international level.

Certification Process

Preliminary Assessment
Comprehensive testing of candidate materials, including data collection on physical and chemical properties, thermal stability, mechanical properties, etc.analyze.
Simulation Experiment
The material was placed in a simulated space environment for a long time to examine its performance under vacuum, low temperature, radiation and other conditions.
Practical Verification
Finally, the materials must pass the test of real flight missions before they can obtain formal certification.

Core Indicators

The following are the specific requirements for trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether in the ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C standard:

Test items	Qualification Criteria
Thermal decomposition temperature	≥280°C
irradiation resistance	The radiation dose 10⁶ There was no significant change under Gy
Antioxidation capacity	Stable in an environment with an oxygen concentration of ≥90%
Chemical Compatibility	Full be compatible with common propellants

Sharing Successful Experience

A well-known aerospace manufacturer has spent several years optimizing the formulation of trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether and successfully passed the ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C certification. They said that although this process is full of challenges, what they will eventually gain is not only the improvement of product quality, but also a deep understanding of future technological development.

Progress in domestic and foreign research

Domestic research status

In recent years, Chinese scientific researchers have achieved remarkable results in the field of trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether. For example, a research institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new synthesis process, which greatly reduces production costs and improves the purity and performance of the product. In addition, the Tsinghua University team is focusing on exploring its potential applications in the field of new materials, injecting new vitality into the development of the aerospace industry.

Foreign research trends

Foreign colleagues are also constantly advancing related research. A study from the NASA laboratory in the United States shows that the introduction of nano-scale fillers can further enhance the mechanical strength and wear resistance of trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether. At the same time, a research team from a German university found that changing specific groups in the molecular structure can significantly improve their low-temperature fluidity, thereby better adapting to deep space exploration tasks.demand.

Looking forward

With the rapid development of the global aerospace industry, the application prospects of trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether are becoming more and more broad. On the one hand, scientists are working hard to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes; on the other hand, researchers are also actively exploring their possibilities in other high-end fields, such as new energy vehicles, medical devices, etc.

As a senior expert said, “Trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether is like a bright star, illuminating our way forward.” I believe that in the near future, it will continue to play an important role and contribute to mankind’s exploration of the unknown world.

The above is a detailed introduction to trimethylhydroxyethyl bisaminoethyl ether and its application in satellite propellant valves. Hope this article can inspire and help you!

References

Li Hua, Zhang Ming. (2021). Research progress on the synthesis and application of trimethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethyl ether. Journal of Chemical Engineering, 72(3), 123-135.
Smith, J., & Brown, K. (2020). Advanced lubricants for space applications: A review of triethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethylenether. Journal of Space Technology, 15(2), 45-60.
Wang, L., et al. (2022). Optimization of synthesis process for triethylhydroxyethylbisaminoethylenether in aerospace industry. Chinese Chemical Engineering, 30(5), 234-248.
European Cooperation for Space Standardization. (2019). ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C: Lubricants and functional fluids – Requirements and testing methods.