Friction and wear properties of Uhmwpe and Peek polymers

Abstract In this study, the friction and sliding behaviors of Polyetheretherketon (Peek) and Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (Uhmwpe) polymers when sliding against different counterfaces unreinforced Polyethylenimine (Ur-Pei), 20 vol.% glass fiber reinforced Pei polymer (20 vol.% Gf + Pei), wear durable Pei polymer (Dw-Pei), and stainless steel (Aisi 304L Ss) were determined and compared. Additionally, the tribological behaviors of these two polymers used in the industry were tested using the Taguchi optimization method. Mathematical equations were created using the regression method for optimal friction coefficient and specific wear rate. Accordingly, the optimal friction coefficient was obtained when Uhmwpe polymer was slid against Ur-Pei counterface with a 10 N application load. In contrast, the optimal specific wear rate was determined under 20 N load test conditions for Uhmwpe polymer against Ur-Pei counterface.