Polybenzimidazole Based Materials in Automotive Tribological Applications 940552

Thermally, mechanically, and tribologically demanding automotive applications have, for many years, belonged exclusively to metals. Metals were the only materials to exhibit the high temperature mechanical properties and low part costs required for under-the-hood and transmission applications within the automotive industry. Now a new family of plastic materials is breaking fresh ground in these demanding automotive applications. This new family of ultra-high performance polybenzimidazole, PBI based materials is currently being tested for use as piston rings, valve seals transmission thrust washers, and air conditioning compressor vanes just to name a few. Applications with the most profound advances are centered around the combustion chamber such as the oil control rings and valve stem seals. Significant environmental and performance advantages of PBI based materials in the combustion chamber are explained with detailed test results.

The attributes that enable PBI to penetrate demanding automotive applications and distinguish PBI from other ultra-high temperature polymeric materials are exceptional tribological performance, mechanical strength at temperature, extremely low creep, sealability, and especially, minimal processing costs. This paper will examine the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties and processing methods that permit Celazole^R PBI based materials to

access these traditionally metal applications. Within the scope of automotive applications, the material's characteristics and advantages will be detailed.