Relationship between Load, Rotation Speed and, Strength in All - PEEK and PEEK Race – PTFE Retainer Hybrid Polymer Bearings under Dry Rolling Contact Fatigue

Abstract

The production of bearings is focusing on polymers, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a tough semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer with excellent mechanical properties and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material with low friction coefficient. The purpose of this study was to establish the properties of hybrid PEEK races – PTFE retainer bearings. Rolling contact fatigue tests were performed in order to investigate the wear properties of such components and the relation between load and rotation speed. It is concluded that by using a PTFE retainer, no wear occurs under thrust load ranging from 200N to 800N at 300rpm.