Sliding Member Composition with Soft Nano Metal Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lubricating films for sliding members tend to develop large cracks and peel off when pressed and slid, leading to secondary damage and increased abrasion due to the detachment of large pieces, which compromises the sliding surface's integrity.

Innovation Solution

A composition for sliding members incorporating soft nano metal particles, such as CuO, dispersed in a base resin, where the nano particles are softer than the counterpart material, guiding crack generation around them and preventing large peeling, with a content of 5 vol% or less and an average particle size of 0.1 to 100 nm, combined with 20 to 80 vol% solid lubricants for enhanced abrasion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lubricating films are used on sliding members, then the sliding surface provides basic lubrication, but large cracks form and peeling occurs during pressing and sliding, leading to increased abrasion and secondary damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistance of lubricating filmVSAvoidintegrity of lubricating film under load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the base resin by specifying precise glass transition temperature ranges (Tg: 80-120°C for polyimide, 60-100°C for polyamideimide) and chemical composition ratios. These parameter changes optimize the resin's mechanical properties to prevent crack formation and peeling while maintaining lubrication effectiveness under sliding conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite lubricating film by combining specifically selected base resins (polyimide or polyamideimide) with solid lubricants (molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, graphite, or carbon fibers) in optimized ratios. This composite structure synergistically combines the adhesive properties of the resin with the low friction and wear resistance of the solid lubricants, preventing film failure during sliding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the lubricating film is pressed and slid during operation, then lubrication function is provided, but large cracks occur and the film peels off, causing counter member damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication function during slidingVSAvoidcrack formation and peeling during sliding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature (Tg) parameter of the base resin within specific ranges (80-120°C for polyimide, 60-100°C for polyamideimide) to ensure the resin maintains appropriate flexibility and adhesion during sliding operations. This parameter control prevents excessive brittleness that would cause cracking under operational loads while maintaining lubrication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent forms a composite structure combining a tailored base resin matrix with dispersed solid lubricant particles. This composite design allows the resin to provide continuous film adhesion and flexibility during sliding, while the solid lubricants provide low-friction surfaces, together preventing crack propagation and peeling during operational pressing and sliding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The lubricating film exhibits improved abrasion resistance with minimal peeling and secondary damage, as the soft nano metal particles guide crack formation and transfer to the counterpart member, maintaining a smooth sliding surface.

Implementation Method 1

the soft nano metal particles guide crack formation and transfer to the counterpart member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrack propagation guidance:

Implementation Method 2

the soft nano metal particles guide crack formation and transfer to the counterpart member, maintaining a smooth sliding surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial transfer:

Data Source

PatentEP2194101B1Composition for sliding member
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 TAIHO KOGYO CO LTD
  • EP2194101B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP2194101B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP2194101B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An object of the invention is to provide a composition for a sliding member capable of forming a lubricating film which does not occur large cracks in the lubricating film formed even if the formed lubricating film is pressed and slid, large peeling off of the lubricating film is restrained from occurring, and improved in abrasion resistance. The invention provides the composition for the sliding member containing a base resin and nano metal particles softer than the counterpart material of sliding, wherein the content of the soft nano metal particles is 5 vol% or less.