Evaluation of Tribological Thermal Failure on PEEK-PTFE Hybrid Alumina Ball Bearings

Abstract

In this paper, the thermal failure (seizure or melting) of hybrid radial bearing (PEEK ring-PTFE composite retainer and alumina ball) under rolling contact fatigue test was investigated. For effective operation of equipment in various environments such as dirty, harmful or corrosion situations, the radial PEEK-PTFE hybrid bearings were produced by machining. The PEEK accumulation layer containing carbon graphite was formed on the raceway of bearing's inner ring at 1200-1500 rpm rotation speed. Due to the self-lubrication of the PEEK composite accumulation layer as solid lubricant, the operation temperature in the hybrid bearing was lower than that of all PEEK radial bearing, and the load capacity of the PEEK bearings could be improved. Moreover, it was found that the PEEK composite film which is formed from the PEEK composite layer protected the raceway from the friction heat.