Friction and wear properties of several rubber materials for high pressure O-ring

Friction and wear characteristics of rubber materials were investigated to look for the suitable candidates for O-ring using in hydrogen energy system for renewable energy society. In this study, reciprocating sliding test of rubbers were conducted under hydrogen environment. To understand the sealing performance and durability of rubber O-rings, friction and wear characteristics of hemispherical rubber specimens sliding against stainless steel disk were evaluated Several rubber materials including silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, fluorinated rubber and natural rubber-based materials were selected to identify the best fit for the hydrogen facility. Each rubber material exhibited unique friction and wear performance depending on its nature (mechanical properties, chemical composition, type of filler), environment gases and operating conditions. A silicone rubber demonstrated that low wear and high and stable coefficient of friction in hydrogen. A fluorinated rubber with carbon black filler showed low coefficient of friction in hydrogen. In order to understand the wear process of each rubber, topography measurement and surface analysis were conducted after the sliding test.