An historical review of studies of polymeric seals in reciprocating hydraulic systems

This is a historical review of the literature, outlining the development of our understanding of the factors affecting the performance of reciprocatin g polymeric seals, rod seals and piston seals, for fluid power systems. Par ticular attention is paid to early seminal studies many of the findings fro m which have become an accepted part of the technology while others are som etimes overlooked.