In-situ wear test of ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer composites in hydrogen and inert gas atmospheres for sealing applications

초록

Elastomeric materials such as ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) are increasingly used in hydrogen energy systems owing to their chemical stability and low gas permeability. However, the tribological behavior of EPDM in different gas environments remains insufficiently understood, particularly under dynamic sliding conditions. In this study, two types of EPDM composites containing 60 phr of carbon black or silica were tested using a custom-built in-situ reciprocating tribometer under ambient air, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium atmospheres. The results showed that both gas species and filler type significantly influenced the friction coefficient and wear morphology. The carbon black-filled EPDM exhibited shear-induced roll formation and reduced friction in hydrogen, likely owing to gas adsorption at the filler-matrix interface. In contrast, the silica-filled EPDM maintained consistently low friction and minimal surface damage, regardless of the gas type. Additional experiments confirmed that trace amounts of oxygen and moisture increased friction and promoted surface deformation. These findings provide valuable insights into the gas-rubber-filler interactions and support the design of durable sealing components for hydrogen applications.

키워드