Polyimide automotive seal

When an automotive chemist chooses a polymer for dynamic sealing, he or she will have to consider the conditions present in Table 6.1. The two main polymers utilized today for these applications are the thermoset polyimides and polyetheretherketones. Polytetrafluoroethylene is also used for less severe applications. Wear test data are collected on an apparatus in which three circular pins of the polymer being examined... 

Automotive. The rise in popularity of injection-molded polyimide and seals within the automotive industry has been driven by the demand for longer-life, extremely heat-resistant and ultrahigh-PV materials that offer cost reduction opportunities over metallics and conventional poly-imides. In vehicle locations including the transmission, engine, and... 

The ability of polyimides to withstand high temperatures and pressures in load bearing and dynamic applications is attracting interest in the automotive industry. Applications where polyimide parts are used include seal rings, thrust washers, wear strips, locknut inserts, valve seats, plugs, and other hydraulic components (i.e., mainly molded parts). Continued interest in high-performance plastic components (as well as ceramic parts) could lead to a need for adhesives able to withstand high temperatures in the future. 

Aromatic polyimides have been the subject of much attention as a material for use in the electronics and other leading-edge industries. Films are used in flexible printed circuit boards, as wire and cable wrap, motor-slot liners, transformers and capacitors. Molded parts are used in applications requiring resistance to thermally harsh environments such as automotive transmission parts, thermal and electrical insulators, valve seats, rotary seal rings, thrust washers and discs, bushings. 

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