Experimental investigation of degradation characteristics of glass run channel

Abstract

In this study, the degradation characteristics of glass run channel (GRC) with ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) substrate coated with polyurethane (PU) that is slid against window glass were systematically investigated. The results showed that GRC degradation mainly resulted from plastic deformation of the GRC lips, which is primarily associated with creep, and wear of PU bump formed on the lip surface. Moreover, the adhesive wear was proposed to be the key wear mechanism responsible for further increase in friction with the sliding distance. Depending on the GRC shape, the applied normal force and contact condition with window glass significantly affected the lips plastic deformation and the PU bump wear. Furthermore, the misalignment of GRC progressed degradation and increased friction significantly. The fundamental degradation characteristics of GRC revealed in this study are expected to be useful for the design of GRC with improved performance and durability.