抄録
A biomimetic sealing system specialized in separation between air and water has been developed with two hydrophilic seal lips and non-Newtonian fluid as lubricants. The seal lips were made of polyvinyl formal (PVF) whose structure is similar to that of articular cartilage of a natural synovial joint. The lubricants were aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol, which correspond to natural synovial fluid. In the previous study, this sealing system showed lower frictional torque than an oil seal and a mechanical seal for rotating shaft at 20 rpm under 0.8 MPa water pressure without water leakage. In order to cover higher speed operation, original PVF seal lips were reinforced by non-woven fabric made of polyester. Pressurization test up to 0.8 MPa water pressure to evaluate frictional and waterproof functions was conducted at 100 rpm rotation. The effectiveness of fiber reinforcement to PVF seal lips was elucidated and the sealing system was superior to oil seal even at 100 rpm rotation.
