The performance of PET motor insulation in CFC-free refrigerant systems

Summary form only given, as follows. The rapid conversion to CFC (chlorofluorocarbon)-free refrigerants has prompted the reexamination of the performance of PET insulating materials in the presence of the new refrigerant systems. Several PET motor films were subjected to sealed-tube aging tests in the presence of CFC-free refrigerants and lubricants. The effects of the type of lubricant, level of moisture, temperature, and time on the physical properties of the motor films were examined. The factors which dominate the motor films' performance were considered. The performance of the films in sealed-tube tests was compared to their performance in other aging tests, such as hydrolytic stability, 160 degrees C aging, and oligomer extraction to obtain the later test's relative predictive value.<>