Celanese Releases New Low-Friction Polymer Product Platform

Dallas, Texas-based Celanese Corporation, a specialty materials and technology company, has released a global tribology product platform to meet the growing demand for high-performance materials for use in moving parts. These low-wear, low-friction engineered plastics are developed for moving and sliding parts used in everything from conveyers to vehicles to orthopedic implants.

A branch of mechanical engineering and materials science, tribology is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear.

“The growing challenge is to manufacture smaller, stronger, higher performing products faster and more cost effectively so that OEMs are able to meet market demand and remain competitive,” said Scott Sutton, president of Materials Solutions for Celanese. “Celanese has developed the broadest, most technically advanced engineering polymer platform that continues to advance in strength, durability and wear to keep up with our customers’ most challenging tribological requirements.”

Since so many external conditions influence tribological behavior, Celanese experts work directly with manufacturers to select and test the advanced engineering polymers that will work best for each application. According to Celanese officials, the polymers are developed with precise specifications so moving parts have little to no friction and noise while also withstanding extreme temperatures, chemical contact and speeds. Additionally, it is hoped that through the use of these polymers manufacturers can eliminate oil, grease or other lubrication additives, thereby removing dust and dirt, which improves overall mechanical operation and service life.