Polymeric Coatings: A Game Changer for Bearings in Hybrid and Electric Automobiles

ABSTRACT The advancement of the automobile industry, coupled with the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in response to environmental concerns and the high fuel consumption of internal combustion engines, has led to tribological issues in bearings. Moreover, continuous collisions between the components significantly reduce the lifespan of bearings. The industry is addressing these issues by enhancing lubrication properties through the application of coatings and composites, leading to the development of bearings with polymer coatings. Metals like babbitt, copper, or aluminum are typically employed in bearings to address wear issues. Polymer coatings exhibit superior tribological properties, enhanced water repellency, and improved corrosion resistance in bearings. This study analyzed the tribological characteristics of metal and polymer coatings on bearings and investigated various polymers based on their type and filler composition. Ultimately, the desired polymers in this domain were introduced utilizing appropriate coating and stabilization techniques.