Standards Development

Scope

5. Scope of the proposed work item (max 4000 characters) This standard specifies a test method to determine the coefficient of friction and the amount of wear of polymer-based materials in a hydrogen atmosphere with a pin-on-disc or ball-on-disc setup under reciprocating and unidirectional sliding.

Based on existing tribological test methods this standard mainly focuses on the specific adaptation resulting from the application of hydrogen atmospheres, especially the sample preparation and conditioning, preparation of the autoclave, requirements of hydrogen atmosphere, specify the filling procedure, saturation or ageing of the specimen prior testing as well as offline measurements of wear quantities.

Emphasis is placed on the control of humidity and impurities of the hydrogen atmosphere and other factors which affect the tribological quantities. This standard applies for tribological tests of polymer-based materials against metallic or ceramic surfaces without interfacial media (dry friction) such as oils and greases.

Purpose

The development of hydrogen technologies implies high safety requirements in the distribution and dispensing infrastructure. For a reliable and safe operation, it is essential to have polymeric materials that are stable and resistance in hydrogen atmosphere. The degradation of polymers caused by exposure and under tribological stress must be avoided. Therefore, overcoming the technological challenges and finding the appropriate material compatibility testing are the prime requisites for the expansion of hydrogen in the transport and industrial sector.