Publicação
PEEK as a suitable material replacement of current back pressure seals in compressors
| Resumo: | Scroll compressors manufactured by Hanon Systems currently employ a back pressure (BP) seal made of a PTFE composite, classified as a PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance). Due to recent European Union proposals to ban all PFAS components, it has become necessary to identify substitute materials capable of fulfilling the same function. This dissertation investigates polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (PEEK CFR) as potential alternatives. PEEK and PEEK CFR specimens were produced using fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing and subsequently subjected to hardness and wear testing under dry sliding conditions in accordance with ASTM G133. Results showed that, while PTFE exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction, both PEEK and PEEK CFR achieved significantly lower wear rates. Microscopic analysis revealed combined adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms across all materials. Prototype BP seals manufactured via FFF 3D printing of PEEK and PEEK CFR were further evaluated in performance tests using scroll compressors at Hanon Systems. Both alternatives ensured sealing and remained within operational specifications; however, they exhibited reduced back pressure offset compared with PTFE, highlighting the influence of additive manufacturing on performance. Overall, this study demonstrates that PEEK and PEEK CFR are viable and environ- mentally compliant alternatives to the PTFE composite currently used in BP seals for scroll compressors. Nevertheless, 3D printing should be regarded as suitable only for prototyping rather than for final production. |
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| Autores principais: | Santos, Raquel Salvador |
| Assunto: | PEEK PEEK CFR PTFE Tribological properties Back pressure seal |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade Nova de Lisboa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Repositório Institucional da UNL |
| Resumo: | Scroll compressors manufactured by Hanon Systems currently employ a back pressure (BP) seal made of a PTFE composite, classified as a PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance). Due to recent European Union proposals to ban all PFAS components, it has become necessary to identify substitute materials capable of fulfilling the same function. This dissertation investigates polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (PEEK CFR) as potential alternatives. PEEK and PEEK CFR specimens were produced using fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing and subsequently subjected to hardness and wear testing under dry sliding conditions in accordance with ASTM G133. Results showed that, while PTFE exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction, both PEEK and PEEK CFR achieved significantly lower wear rates. Microscopic analysis revealed combined adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms across all materials. Prototype BP seals manufactured via FFF 3D printing of PEEK and PEEK CFR were further evaluated in performance tests using scroll compressors at Hanon Systems. Both alternatives ensured sealing and remained within operational specifications; however, they exhibited reduced back pressure offset compared with PTFE, highlighting the influence of additive manufacturing on performance. Overall, this study demonstrates that PEEK and PEEK CFR are viable and environ- mentally compliant alternatives to the PTFE composite currently used in BP seals for scroll compressors. Nevertheless, 3D printing should be regarded as suitable only for prototyping rather than for final production. |
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