Abstract
In this study, bearing bushes made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), 30 wt % carbon fibre reinforced PEEK, 30 wt % glass fibre reinforced PEEK, each 10 wt % of PTFE, graphite and carbon fibre modified PEEK were investigated on a purpose built pin joint test rig. The unlubricated friction and wear behaviour was assessed in sliding contact with a 300M shaft, subjected to a nominal pressure of 93 MPa, articulating sliding speed of 45 °/s. The worn surface and the subsurface layer were studied using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to thermal sensitivity of PEEK composites, friction energy and temperature rise were analysed for determining the friction and wear mechanism. The bush made of PTFE, graphite and carbon fibre (each 10 wt %) modified PEEK presented the best performance for friction coefficient, wear loss, friction energy and temperature rise. Current work demonstrated that reinforcement modified PEEK composite possesses desirable properties to perform as a load bearing bush in certain tribological applications.
Highlights
Compared with metals, polymers possess certain desired properties for engineering use, i.e., lightweight, low cost, ease of manufacturing, self-lubricating and corrosion resistance [1,2,3,4]
Current work demonstrated that reinforcement modified PEEK composite possesses desirable properties to perform as a load bearing bush in certain tribological applications
Polymers are increasingly used in tribological applications, especially for harsh lubrication conditions, such as bearings, gears, piston rings and seals in aerospace machines and ocean engineering machines or other mechanical components used in high temperature and corrosive environment [5,6,7,8]
Summary
Polymers possess certain desired properties for engineering use, i.e., lightweight (low density), low cost, ease of manufacturing, self-lubricating and corrosion resistance [1,2,3,4]. They can provide significant weight savings while maintaining structural performance, and offering improved fuel efficiency for aerospace and other transport applications. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the most promising engineering materials for tribological applications. Studies have been conducted on the friction and wear of pure PEEK in comparison with other polymers [9,10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
