A Comparative Study of The Effect of Lubrication Conditions on The Sliding Wear Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Composites

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span lang="EN-US">Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) stands out for tribological applications dueto its high mechanical properties, excellent chemical and thermal resistance,and self-lubricating nature. It is often reinforced with carbon fibers (CF) toenhance its friction and wear performance. Besides the matrix and reinforcementelements, lubrication conditions also play a significant role in thetribological performance of composite materials. This study focuses on theeffects of lubrication conditions on the friction and wear performance ofcarbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone composites (CF/PEEK) by subjectingthem to wear in different environments. The tests were conducted using ablock-on-ring test apparatus under constant normal force (100 N), slidingvelocity (1.5 m/s), and sliding distance (200 m) parameters in dry, water, andoil lubrication environments. At the end of the tests, data on the coefficientof friction, volume loss, and wear rate were reported. It was found that underwater and oil lubrication conditions, compared to dry conditions, lowercoefficient of friction, volume loss, and wear rate occurred. A stereomicroscope was used to obtain two-dimensional images of the worn surfaces. Bymeasuring the wear track dimensions, volume losses and wear rates weredetermined. Understanding the friction and wear performance of polymer matrixcomposites in different environments will enable the development ofwear-resistant materials for application areas.<o:p></o:p></span>