Polymer Tribology Performance
Self-lubricated / tribological polymers are best suited for environments in which liquid lubricants cannot be used, and maintenance-free operation is required. In addition, tribological polymers offer low wear, vibration reduction, design flexibility and lower weight. Self-lubricated polymers have found a wide range of applications in automotive, household and industrial equipment.
Fig. 01
PEEK Coefficient of Friction and Wear Rate
How can we help address your challenges with polymer tribology?
Issue
In general, conventional graphites have limited contribution to the wear reduction at high load/stress conditions, therefore wear rates can be a problem.
Solution
Superior Graphite has developed the FormulaPT™ product line to address polymer tribology. In particular, the Resilient Graphitic Carbons (RGC™), a unique form of graphitic engineered carbon, significantly reduces wear rates under high load/stress conditions in addition to reducing Coefficient of Friction (CoF).
As part of the FormulaPT™ product line, RGC™'s are unique graphitic materials manufactured by Superior Graphite using our proprietary Electro-Thermal Treatment/Purification Technology. After heat treatment, these products exhibit extremely high resiliency, lubricity and purity. They are very effective in friction modification in advanced technology applications like plain bearings, torque limiters, water meters and pumps. A 5-15% addition of finer grade RGC™ has proven to improve wear resistance and friction of epoxy, PEEK, PAI, PA66, PPS and PI polymers. Abrasive wear and surface fatigue/destruction are counteracted by the resilient/elastic behavior of the RGC™ additives. At the same time, the mechanical properties like tensile strength of the polymers are minimally affected while using RGC™s, unlike alternative materials such as synthetic graphite. To reduce the CoF, FormulaPT™ products are the best choice amongst the solid lubricants especially in wet, underwater or humid conditions.
Fig. 02
Piston Coating
Fig. 03
Friction Torque Limiter
Fig. 04
Plain Bearings
Fig. 05
Pore Structure of RGC
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