Host: The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Name : [in Japanese]
Date : March 06, 2023 - March 07, 2023
Tribological technology is undergoing a major transition with the development of electrical technology, and electrical bearing failures are frequently reported, especially in EVs. This is a problem that limits the service life of not only EVs but also other mechanical products that use electric motors. The cause is thought to be poor lubrication due to electric current. In this study, polyphenylethers, which has excellent properties even under severe conditions, were used as a lubricant. The tribofilms were found to be more easily formed on the contact surface which was connected to a positive electrode. Based on the analysis of ToF-SIMS, the tribofilms mainly consisted of hydrocarbons and graphite-like components. Moreover, components of tribofilm seem to be independent of the applied electric current. It was considered that the chemical component of the tribofilm affected friction coefficient while the adhesion of the tribofilm related to wear.
