Feasibility study of the development of a dry lubricant for high fatigue resistant steel wire rope and the related processing methods

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 12380.2;5 PFIW-IW

Short description (German)

Feasibility study of the development of a dry lubricant for high fatigue resistant steel wire rope and the related processing methods

Short description (English)

Feasibility study of the development of a dry lubricant for high fatigue resistant steel wire rope and the related processing methods

Abstract (German)

Wire ropes are subjected to harsh dynamic conditions, such as repeated bending leading to wire breakages. The fretting between the steel wires can be slow down by lubricating the strands of the wire rope. Oil-based lubricants are sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature and have a low adhesion to metal. The main goal of this feasibility study will be the identification of the most promising polymer based dry-lubricant and its related in-line production and wire rope impregnation process in existing stranding lines that will overcome these drawbacks. Further details of the dry-lubricant with a superior fatigue/fretting behavior will be studied within a full CTI project.

Abstract (English)

Wire ropes are subjected to harsh dynamic conditions, such as repeated bending leading to wire breakages. The fretting between the steel wires can be slow down by lubricating the strands of the wire rope. Oil-based lubricants are sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature and have a low adhesion to metal. The main goal of this feasibility study will be the identification of the most promising polymer based dry-lubricant and its related in-line production and wire rope impregnation process in existing stranding lines that will overcome these drawbacks. Further details of the dry-lubricant with a superior fatigue/fretting behavior will be studied within a full CTI project.