Friction Properties of PEEK under Different Lubrication Conditions

This study employed PEEK test blocks paired with 45# steel balls to conduct controlled variable tests using a self-made reciprocating friction and wear test-ing machine, systematically investigating the tribological behavior of PEEK ma-terials under dry friction, wet lubrication, and three different water-lubricated conditions. The friction and wear mechanisms were thoroughly analyzed through surface morphology characterization. The results demonstrate that PEEK exhibits optimal tribological performance under soup-like water lubrica-tion at a rotational speed of 100 r/min (linear velocity: 33.3 mm/s) and a load of 50 N. This research provides critical data support and theoretical guidance for the application of PEEK composites in water-lubricated bearings and guide rail materials for garbage truck compression devices.