Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Lubricating Bearings

Abstract

Microporous polymer lubricants(MPLs) are solid polymer materials containing micropores which are filled with liquid lubricants, and which are molded or formed to suit rolling bearings or other machine parts requiring lubrication. MPLs can be effectively applied to provide long-term, maintenance-free lubrication of a variety of machine elements without fully replacing of oils and greases. The application of rolling bearings packed fully with an MPL could reduce or eliminate the problems such as grease deterioration, leakage, under-lubrication caused by insertion of water or foreign matters under severe operation conditions. This paper discuss the application of MPLs for lubrication of rolling ball bearings. Two different MPLs were synthesized and the features of MPLs were tested. Characteristics of the bearings which are packed fully with synthesized MPLs were investigated using SEM, TG/DSC, extents of oil leakage, OIT, and life time test. After these preliminary tests twelve MPLs were synthesized and evaluated by measuring extents of oil leakage and OIT values. Then synthesis conditions for the optimum MPL were selected by SSRED(Six Sigma Robust Engineering Design) pro gram using extents of oil leakage and OIT values respectively. The optimum MPL by means of OIT value showed higher performance such as long life time and application at higher temperature of than previous temperature of .