STUDY ON TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER MATERIALS USED IN GEROTOR PUMPS

<ns3:p>The paper presents the results of tribological tests of three polymeric materials: polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), used in the design of gerotor pump gears. The aim of the study was to evaluate the coefficient of friction and wear of tested polymeric materials under conditions simulating real hydraulic loads. The tests were carried out on a T-01M tribometer at different loadlevels (1, 3, 5, and 7 MPa) and continuous lubrication with hydraulic oil. The results showed that POM is characterized by the highest coefficient of friction and wear, while PPS and PEEK are characterized by better stability and lower wear compared to POM. Particular attention was paid to the influence of axial and radial clearances on the volumetric efficiency of the pump. Analysis of the results suggests that PEEK is the most suitable material for use in gerotor pumps due to the stability of tribological properties and lower wear level. The study results can contribute to the optimization of the design of pumps with plastic elements in order to increase their durability and operating efficiency.</ns3:p>