Friction Performance of EPDM Used for Seals in Different Working Conditions

The experiments on friction performance of EPDM sliding against DLC coating on steel sample used for auxiliary seals in nuclear coolant-bump have been conducted on a SRV tribo-tester. The friction coefficients as a function of load, temperature and relative velocity under dry sliding and water lubrication were investigated. The mechanism involved was uncovered by analyzing the morphologies of the worn surfaces. The results were useful for analyzing the working performance of mechanical seals in nuclear coolant-pump and choosing materials of auxiliary seals.