Tribological properties of micron silicon carbide filled poly(ether ether ketone)

The composite of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) filled with micron silicon carbide (SiC) with different filler proportions was prepared by compression molding. The friction and wear properties of the composite were investigated at ambient conditions on a block on ring machine by running a plain carbon steel (AISI 1045 steel) ring against the composite block. The morphologies of the worn composite surfaces and the transfer film on the counterpart steel ring were examined with scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The results showed that the friction and wear of PEEK was slightly reduced at a filler proportion of micron SiC of 2.5–5.0 wt %. Abrasive wear was dominant for the PEEK composite; this was especially so at higher filler proportion. Meanwhile, abrasion and transfer to the composite surface of the counterpart steel ring were also observed.