6PM3-PMN-024 Stabilization of Friction Force Generated at Mechanical Seal for Blood

Abstract

The mechanical seal which shows low and stable friction under blood sealing condition is strongly required for next-generation a left ventricular assist device. In addition, stability for wide load range is also required due to its in-vivo situation. In this study, we found that the mechanical seal consists of self-mated SiC shows low allowable load compared to material combination of SiC/C due to smoothness of sealing surfaces. In order to achieve low friction and high allowable load under blood sealing condition, we conducted pre-sliding in water and micro/nano scaled surface texture and these resulted in desired friction properties under blood sealing condition.