The effect of micron-graphite particle size on the mechanical and tribological properties of PEEK Composites

Abstract

The poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/graphite composites with good tribological performance were studied. When compared with pure PEEK, the PEEK/graphite composites exhibited a lower frictional coefficient, which was attributed to the layer structure of graphite, which can be easily separated or slide past each other. Considerations were given to both the coefficient of friction and wear rate, and the PEEK/graphite composites showed the optimal tribological behavior when the graphite content was at 25 wt%. This proportion was chosen to investigate the effect of micron-graphite particle size on mechanical and tribological properties of the PEEK/graphite composites. The wear rate of the PEEK composites significantly decreased when the particle size of micron-graphite decreased. Moreover, the results showed that the wear rate had a strong dependence on the mechanical properties of the PEEK composites at the same graphite content level.