Polymeric seals are essential components in almost all industrial mechanical processes that allow effective containment and movement of liquids and gases in extreme environments. Friction is intrinsically related to seal performance. High friction accelerates seal wear, which can lead to leakage and/or premature component failure, and increases the energy consumption of industrial processes.
The project will develop and demonstrate a novel methodology for the design and manufacture of high volume polymeric components with textured surfaces, which will be designed according to the operating conditions of each particular component.
The (micro-) texturing technique is a technique applied to surfaces for the reduction of friction in lubricated rigid materials such as metallic or ceramic materials. Recently this technique has been applied to polymeric and elastomeric materials at laboratory level and its efficiency has been demonstrated.
The resulting design will achieve >20% friction reduction for <10% extra cost. This innovative methodology combines:
The project will establish three lines of demonstration of the methodology applied to: 1) the design and manufacture of molds and the design and manufacture of 2) rotary joints for use in engines and 3) reciprocating seals for industrial processes.
