Comparison of tribological performance of PEEK, UHMWPE, glass fiber reinforced PTFE and PTFE reinforced PEI composite materials under dry and lubricated conditions

Abstract

In this study, the tribological performance of poly-ether-ketone (PEEK), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fiber reinforced poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE) and PTFE reinforced poly-ether-imide (PEI) composite materials, under dry and lubricated conditions, were compared and evaluated. Wear tests were carried out on a pin-disc arrangement and under 50, 100 and 150 N applied loads and 0.5 m/s sliding speed conditions. The results show that the coefficient of friction and specific wear rates for these materials decreases with the increase in applied load values. Finally, the wear rates for PEEK, UHMWPE polymers, PTFE+20% glass fiber reinforced (GFR) and PEI+10% PTFE composites under dry and lubricated conditions are in the order of 10(-14) and 10(-15), respectively. The results suggested that it is convenient to use PTFE+20% GFR composites for machine components with low processing and product costs.