Enhanced tribological performance of PEEK/SCF/PTFE hybrid composites by graphene

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/short carbon fiber (SCF)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/graphene (GE) composites (PSPGE) with different weight fractions of GE were prepared successfully. The effect of GE on the tribological behavior of PEEK composites was investigated under different applied pressures, sliding speeds and temperatures. Characterization results revealed that the tribological performance was improved with the increase of GE loading, and 2.0 wt% GE filled PEEK/SCF/PTFE composites had the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate. The PSPGE exhibited excellent lubrication and wear resistance efficiency especially under harsh conditions. Moreover, the improved thermal conductivity of the PSPGE composites allowed friction heat to be transferred and further increased the wear resistance. Thus, this newly developed novel PSP2.0GE composite could be applied to many new fields as an advanced friction material.