Tribological properties of high temperature resistant polymer composites with fine particles

The tribological properties of two kinds of high temperature resistant thermoplastic composites, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherimide (PEI), reinforced with short carbon fibre (SCF), graphite flakes, and sub-micro particles of TiO2 and ZnS, were investigated in dry sliding conditions. Friction and wear experiments were conducted on a pin-on-disc apparatus, using composite pins against polished steel counterparts, performed within moderate pv-ranges at room and elevated temperatures (up to 150 °C). It was found that conventional fillers, i.e. SCF and graphite flakes, could effectively enhance both the wear resistance and the load-carrying capacity of the base polymers. With the addition of sub-micro particles, the frictional coefficient and wear rate of the composites were further reduced especially at elevated temperatures. On the basis of microscopic observation of worn surfaces, dominant wear mechanisms are discussed.