Influence of Temperature on Friction and Wear Characteristics of Polyaryletherketones and Their Composites Under Reciprocating Sliding Condition

The tribological behavior of different polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) and their composites was studied under reciprocating sliding conditions at room temperature as well as at elevated temperature (120 °C). The effect of glass, carbon fiber and solid lubricants (PTFE and graphite) filled in PAEK matrix was investigated at different normal loads. It was found that friction and wear characteristics are strongly influenced by the type of PAEK matrix and the material composition. The temperature has a more pronounced influence on the coefficient of friction and specific wear rates of PAEKs and their composites than the normal load. Friction and wear mechanisms are discussed, using scanning electron micrographs of the worn surfaces. A relationship between the average coefficient of friction and specific wear rates of PAEKs and their composites is also reported.