Comparative Study on the Tribological Properties of the Polyimide Composites Reinforced With Different Fibers

In this study, friction and wear of polyimides reinforced by carbon, glass, aramid, and nano-alumina fibers were studied and comparatively evaluated against Si3N4 on a ball-on-disk test rig under dry rotating and reciprocating sliding, and coefficient of friction and wear rate were considered as responses. The worn surfaces of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy to reveal wear mechanisms of the materials' damage. Wear mechanisms are found to be dependent on the test conditions and mechanical properties of the composites itself. It was proven that different reinforcements had different effects on the friction and wear behavior of the polyimide composites to a great extent. The testing condition also had an important role on the tribological properties of the same materials. The best performance was shown by glass fiber-reinforced polyimide composites owing to their excellent strength and hardness which can share the applied load on the sliding surface. (C) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers