Comparative Study on Tribological Behaviors of Polyetheretherketone Composite Reinforced with Carbon Fiber and Polytetrafluoroethylene Under Water-Lubricated and Dry-Sliding Against Stainless Steel

The tribological behaviors of the composites of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) reinforced by carbon fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under distilled-water-lubricated- and dry-sliding against stainless steel were investigated. It was found that the PEEK composite had much better wear-resistance under water-lubricated sliding against stainless steel than under dry-sliding. The transfer film had smaller effect on the tribological behavior of PEEK composite under water-lubricated condition than under dry-sliding, because under water-lubricated condition the cooling and boundary lubricating effects of the water medium dominated the tribological behavior. Moreover, the considerably hindered transfer of the PEEK composite under water lubrication might also account for the decreased wear rate under water lubrication. The PEEK composite was characterized by mild scuffing and fiber protruding under water lubrication, while the plastic deformation and adhesion was significantly abated than under dry-sliding.