Tribological Behavior of PEEK/PTFE Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fibers and Graphite

In this study, poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites reinforced with carbon fibers (CFs) and graphite (Gr) were fabricated by compressive molding technology. The friction and wear properties of the PEEK/PTFE composites sliding against Si3N4 balls were investigated using ball-on-disk configuration under dry sliding conditions, and the morphologies of the worn surfaces were also observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a three-dimensional morphometer. The results indicated that the introduction of CFs significantly improved the tribological properties of the composites, but the friction coefficient of the PEEK/PTFE/CFs composites were higher than the pure PEEK/PTFE composites. However, it was found that a combinative addition of CFs and Gr creates an obvious synergetic effect of improving the friction-reducing and anti-wear abilities of the composites. The mechanisms of the improved tribological properties of the PEEK/PTFE/CFs/Gr composites were discussed based on the analysis of the worn surfaces and tribofilms.

Automated summary

In this study, PEEK/PTFE composites reinforced with CFs and Gr were fabricated and their friction and wear properties were investigated. It was found that the introduction of CFs significantly improved the tribological properties, but the addition of CFs alone resulted in higher friction coefficient. However, a combination of CFs and Gr showed a synergistic effect in improving the friction-reducing and anti-wear abilities of the composites. The mechanisms behind the improved tribological properties were discussed based on the analysis of the worn surfaces and tribofilms.