Frictional characteristics of impregnated graphite with different graphitization degree versus chromium stainless steel under varying PV values

An experimental study was performed by employing a seal pair of phenolic resin impregnated graphite and high chromium martensitic stainless steel 9Cr18. A purpose-built test rig was designed and fabricated to study the effect of face temperature on the surface morphology of a seal ring made of phenolic resin impregnated graphite with different graphitization degrees for varying PV values (pressure x velocity). As revealed by the results, the effect of rotational speed on heat generation between the two mating surfaces was more significant than that of fluid pressure. The effects of surface frictional temperature between the two faces were found different when the phenolic resin impregnated graphite ring with different graphitization degrees. The worn surfaces of the phenolic resin impregnated graphite rings were examined with the assistance of scanning electron microscopy and 3D measuring laser microscopy to investigate the wear mechanism for these different mating rings. Both adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms were discovered under the working conditions. It was found out that the phenolic resin impregnated graphite ring with a high degree of graphitization was worn more severely at high PV values. Under the conditions of high speeds or high PV values, the phenolic resin impregnated graphite with fine and compact graphite matrix particles, medium degree of graphitization, high thermal conductivity and hardness is the top choice.