Ultra low friction carbon/carbon composites for extreme temperature applications

US6255234A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Hitco Carbon Composites, Inc. · US
• THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · US

Inventors

• Ali Erdemir · Naperville, US
• Donald E. Busch · Hinsdale, US
• George R. Fenske · Downers Grove, US
• Sam Lee · Kalispell, US
• Gary D. Shepherd · Redondo Beach, US
• Gary Pruett · Cypress, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 1998
• Grant date: Jul 3, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T442/2984
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A carbon/carbon composite in which a carbon matrix containing a controlled amount of boron or a boron compound is reinforced with carbon fiber exhibits a low coefficient of friction, i.e., on the order of 0.04 to 0.1 at temperatures up to 600.degree. C., which is one of the lowest frictional coefficients for any type of carbonaceous material, including graphite, glassy carbon, diamond, diamond-like carbon and other forms of carbon material. The high degree of slipperiness of the carbon composite renders it particularly adapted for limiting friction and wear at elevated temperatures such as in seals, bearings, shafts, and flexible joints