Investigation on preparation and tribology of poly ether ether ketone nanocomposite with transition metal doped zirconium dioxide

Abstract

Composite materials are currently one of the most active study fields in modern technology. Their promising properties make them appropriate for a wide range of industrial applications including aerospace, automotive, construction, sports, bio-medical, and many more. These materials have amazing structural and mechanical features such as high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to chemicals, fire, corrosion, and wear, as well as being cost-effective to produce. Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), a high performance polymeric materials, is increasingly being employed to replace metal elements in car engines and transmissions. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), often known as zirconia, is a high-tech ceramic substance that is widely employed in the manufacture of various hard ceramics. The various physical and chemical properties of ZrO2 have been properly tailored for a given use by inserting transition metals (dopants) into the ZrO2 crystalline structure. In this work, the nano-composite of PEEK and transition metal doped Zirconium Dioxide is prepared. The composite was subsequently subjected to vital characterizations and tribological testing. The characterization validated the amalgam of modified ZrO2 with PEEK. The investigation has shown that PEEK reinforcement with modified ZrO2 has desired qualities for use in tribological applications