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Low-Friction, Low-Wear Polymer Composites for Solid Lubrication in Extreme Conditions

IP Title

Low Friction And Low Wear Polymer/Polymer Composites

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

Aug 9, 2004

Application No.

7,314,646

Others

*Abstract

PFTE Composites Provide Superior Wear and Friction Properties for Use in Orthopedics, Machinery and Space Applications

This suite of solid lubrication composites is highly resistant to high temperatures, extreme environments, and wear, making it perfect for applications in severe conditions where other forms of lubrication are ineffective. Though the term "severe conditions" may suggest a degree of rarity, such conditions are fairly common in industry. For systems or machinery operating in severe conditions, alternative forms of lubrication are required, since oil-based lubrication require pumps, lines, reservoirs and filters, and grease can contaminate the product of the system being lubricated. PTFE, also known as Teflon®, is often used in such applications because of its excellent heat resistance. However, PTFE has a low resistance to wear, requiring either frequent replacement or avoidance in certain circumstances, such as in bearings.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a suite of nanocomposite PTFE materials that provide higher-performance, lower-friction and lower-wear composite polymers as compared to standard PTFE. These composites are designed for solid lubrication systems and can replace Teflon® in all applications.

Application

Wear-resistant PTFE nanocomposites for superior solid lubrication and other applications

Advantages

• Increases resistance to friction and wear by several orders of magnitude as compared to standard PTFE, expanding use to extreme conditions such as within bearings and in space applications
• Maintains chemical inertness, making it versatile and scalable for applications in multiple industries including biology, microbiology, medicine, pharmacy, space and agriculture industries

Technology

These nanocomposites form by either modifying PTFE alone or combing PTFE with a mechanically strong, low-wear and high-friction polymer. However, all embodiments produce improved wear resistance while maintaining the heat resistance and low friction that make PTFE an excellent solid lubricant.

Related to 11945, 13536, 13678, 13835, 13841, 14078, 14080, 14182, 14509, 15002, 15410

*IP Issue Date

Jan 1, 2008

*IP Publication Date

Feb 9, 2006

*Principal Investigator

Name: Wallace Sawyer

Department:

Name: David Burris

Department:

Country/Region

USA