Synthesis of Wear Resistant Polymers with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

School Name

Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Srikanth Pilla, Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research

Abstract

Ceramics are used to manufacture several types of automotive components, such as gears, bearings and sliding components. Unfortunately, the problem of using these materials is that ceramic parts are quite heavy with densities about 5.0g/cc, which has a negative consequence on fuel efficiency. Our research has been focusing on using wear resistant polymers as a lighter alternative material for replacing ceramics in automotive vehicles. Wear resistant polymers share many resistant properties with ceramics under friction, temperature, pressure and abrasion conditions that make it well suited for the various environments inside a car. Using wear resistant polymers in place of ceramics, automotive companies can manufacture cars easier when they have to reach the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for 2025 in the US. This will save money for drivers and the parents that pay for the gas being consumed in our cars every day. Using different ratios of wear resistant polymers and chemical fillers, we are investigating the best mechanical properties of these polymers. After the experiment we found that adding more of a chemical solution known as Erisys proved effective in increasing the overall polymer strength.

Location

Wall 223

Start Date

3-25-2017 10:45 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 10:45 AM

Synthesis of Wear Resistant Polymers with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Wall 223

Ceramics are used to manufacture several types of automotive components, such as gears, bearings and sliding components. Unfortunately, the problem of using these materials is that ceramic parts are quite heavy with densities about 5.0g/cc, which has a negative consequence on fuel efficiency. Our research has been focusing on using wear resistant polymers as a lighter alternative material for replacing ceramics in automotive vehicles. Wear resistant polymers share many resistant properties with ceramics under friction, temperature, pressure and abrasion conditions that make it well suited for the various environments inside a car. Using wear resistant polymers in place of ceramics, automotive companies can manufacture cars easier when they have to reach the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for 2025 in the US. This will save money for drivers and the parents that pay for the gas being consumed in our cars every day. Using different ratios of wear resistant polymers and chemical fillers, we are investigating the best mechanical properties of these polymers. After the experiment we found that adding more of a chemical solution known as Erisys proved effective in increasing the overall polymer strength.