Polymers in the construction of serviceless sliding bearings

The application range of polymers and their composites in service-less sliding bearings, i.e. bearings that do not require lubrication supervision and maintenance, was defined. A survey of polymers having good sliding properties was done. A general characteristic and classification of polymer composites was presented. The structure and properties of the following composites were discussed: anti-friction coatings, filled composites, multi-layer composites and multi-layer filled composites. Exemplary design embodiments of slide bearing with the use of polymers were given. Remarks concerning specific features inherent to the design and operation of serviceless bearings summarise the paper.