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This technical paper will provide supporting lubricated test data for the use of thermoplastics like polyamide-imide (PAI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in demanding wear applications at temperatures up to 285°C and pressure velocity exceeding one million psi·ft/min. Applications include needle bearing replacement in transmissions, journal bearings, pumps, marine lower units, continuous variable transmissions, and others. These materials have been used in automotive transmission applications for over 20 years and can be similarly used in small engine applications. By using a thermoplastic, applications benefit through reduced noise and vibration harshness, reduced space, and reduced weight. Mechanical property differences throughout operating temperatures will also be reviewed.

High performance polymers (HPPs) consist of a group of materials that perform in more demanding applications than more commonly known plastic materials. These materials have been used to replace metals in the automotive industry in a number of applications. HPP's offer specific strengths in line with cast metals and offer some benefits in certain chemical environments over metals. The use of these materials in fuels has a long history and continues to expand as the capabilities become better understood, HPP's are of particular interest in areas where alcohol is present in fuel mixtures and causes corrosion on metals. HPP's have also been developed to serve as a low cost solutions to fuel permeation in fuel tanks by using two or three layer blow molded constructions. Ethylene glycol, oils, and other automotive fluids also have little effect on the mechanical properties of HPP's.