The tribology conference is organized by the Japanese Society of Tribologists twice a year and it is where many tribologists from universities, research institutes and companies across Japan present and discuss their research results.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University and Starlite jointly presented research results on two themes, one of which was the “effects of high purity hydrogen atmosphere on friction and wear of PPS mixed PTFE composite materials under high temperature and high speed conditions,” focusing on material transformation due to excessive wear or breakage of seal materials caused by the piston rings inside hydrogen gas compressors at hydrogen stations.

In this study, we studied the mechanism of transition film formation during sliding, focusing on the “tribochemical reaction” generated at the sliding interface of PTFE-based sliding materials and PPS-based sliding materials under hydrogen gas atmosphere. The tribofilm formation mechanism was examined using various analytical devices such as XPS for surface analysis, and we identified that atmospheric moisture and oxygen contributed to the sliding of PPS.

The outcomes of the research will be used to develop long-life and high-performance sealing materials for use in hydrogen stations, etc., and will contribute to the further dissemination of hydrogen stations by reducing device maintenance costs.

Related article

• STARLITE INTERVIEWS On Your Side Vol.4 KYUSHU UNIVERSITY HYDROGENIUS | STARLITE Co., Ltd.
• Tribology Business | STARLITE Co., Ltd.

Inquiry and Contact : https://starlite.co.jp/en/contact/