Tribological behavior of polyetheretherketone, a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and in situ composites based on their blends under dry sliding conditions at elevated temperatures

The elevated temperature dry sliding friction and wear behavior of injection molded polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP), and in situ composites based on PEEK-TLCP blends were investigated. Results from sliding tests conducted on a pin-on-disk tribometer at selected temperatures within the range from 20 to 250°C are reported. Friction and wear mechanisms are related to the microstructure and phase behavior of the material systems investigated. TLCP concentration and thermally activated molecular relaxation processes are related to the mechanical properties and tribological performance of the PEEK-HX1000 blends. The potential of TLCP in situ reinforcement as a route towards the development of performance thermoplastic-based tribomaterials for high temperature use is discussed.