Transmission efficiency of polyamide nanocomposite spur gears

Gears made of polymer and its composites find increasing application due to their superior properties. This paper reports the transmission efficiency of pristine polyamide 6 (PA6) and clay incorporated polyamide nanocomposite (PNC) spur gears. Numerical studies were conducted to predict the frictional and hysteresis power loss. A power absorption type gear test rig, developed in-house, was used to determine the power loss during transmission. The effect of applied torque on the transmission efficiency of PA6 and PNC spur gears are reported. Addition of nanoclay particles improves the stiffness and suppresses the viscoelastic nature of polyamide 6. The increase in gear tooth temperature due to hysteresis and friction, significantly affects the tooth shape, and thereby, the gear performance. The enhancement in mechanical properties of polyamide nanocomposite gears results in higher power transmission efficiency compared to pristine polyamide gear.

► Nano-clay enhances the mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 6.
► Polyamide 6 nanocomposite gear has higher efficiency than pure polyamide 6 gear.
► Increase in weight % of nano-clay in polyamide 6 is beneficial for gear efficiency.
► Nano-clay reduces the dependency of gear efficiency on applied torque.