Bearings Made of Carbon Fiber Reinorced Victrex® Peek(TM) Polymer Improve Wear and Friction Performance
Wear Reduced by 68% and Friction by 28%
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, USA - (April 19, 2011) - Victrex Polymer Solutions, a division of Victrex plc and world leader in polyaryletherketones including VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer, announced that CirComp GmbH, a German-based manufacturer of fiber composite components, has developed a new generation of carbon fiber reinforced VICTREX PEEK polymer-based composite friction bearings, DW 710, which are optimized for resistance against shock and wear promoting longer service life and increased reliability.
"By combining CirComp´s core competence in the development and production of composite friction bearings with Victrex' extensive knowledge in VICTREX PEEK polymer we are delighted that we can now bring to the market carbon fiber reinforced VICTREX PEEK polymer-based friction bearings with outstanding properties in shock and wear resistance. By using the friction bearings our customers will benefit from reduced energy costs and lower maintenance costs," explained Dr. Ralph Funck, CEO CirComp.
VICTREX PEEK polymer was selected to replace thermosets as the matrix material in the design of the DW 710 bearings for its high temperature performance, with glass transition temperatures ranging between 143ºC-162ºC (289ºF- 324ºF) and melting temperatures between 343ºC-387ºC (639ºF-729ºF), and a unique combination of performance properties including outstanding wear and chemical resistance and high mechanical strength.
As demonstrated in comparative testing, by simultaneously making advances in its manufacturing process and selecting VICTREX PEEK polymer, CirComp reduced the coefficient of friction and the bearing friction of the new VICTREX PEEK thermoplastic continuous carbon fiber reinforced bearing DW 710 by 28 percent and wear reduction by as much as 68 percent when compared with thermoset bearings. The measured coefficient of friction of the friction bearing DW 710 is also about 25 percent lower than traditional thermoset continuous carbon fiber reinforced bearings with carbon nanotubes (CNT) filling providing less energy consumption and longer service life. With the combination of carbon fibers and VICTREX PEEK polymer, the friction bearings offer outstanding dimensional stability up to 260°C (500°F) making this new type of friction bearing well suited for use in harsh environments.
"In addition, DW 710 friction bearings provide excellent dry running characteristics and can be used in operation after lubrication system failure making them an ideal solution for use in pumps and construction machinery as well as in mechanical engineering and shipbuilding or in offshore and onshore facilities to reduce maintenance and increase reliability," added Funck.
For more information, please visit www.victrex.com.
About CirComp
CirComp GmbH develops and manufactures composite parts. It uses CNC controlled filament winding processes to produce a variety of components, such as tubes, shafts, tension & compression bars, rollers, pressure vessels, masts, separating cans, torsion shafts and friction bearings made of advanced composite materials. This involves the use of high-quality carbon, glass, aramid and basalt fibers in combination with thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. For more information, please visit www.circomp.de.
Contact: Kris Jommersbach
Gemini Communications
PH: + (1) 610-935-1633
krisj@geminiinc.com
