Friction and Wear Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Composites under Water Lubrication

The present study establishes the relationships between the carbon fibers (CF) content and the trbological properties of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite. PEEK composites such as unreinforced PEEK, reinforced PEEK with different content of carbon fibres were used for the tribological tests. The results indicated that CF/PEEK composite had better tribological properties than pure PEEK. Some CF was ground and squeezed, then mixed with debris on the worn surface, which improved the wear resistance greatly. The low friction coefficient of CF/PEEK composite caused little change in the temperature and further ensured the stable state of sliding.