Tribological Behavior of Poly-ether-ether-ketone Composite Against Unsaturated Polyester Composite and Stainless Steel Counterparts
AbstractIn this experimental study, the tribological performance of glass fiber reinforced poly-ether-ketone (PEEK) composite against long glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite and steel under dry sliding condition were evaluated. Wear tests were carried out on a pin-on-disc arrangement and under 0.707, 1.41 and 2.12 MPa applied pressures and 0.5 m/s sliding speed condition. As a disc material, AISI 316L stainless steel and 20wt.% glass fiber reinforced and 15% calcium carbonate (UPET+20%GF+15%CaCO3) composite were used. The results present that the coefficient of friction and wear rates for 30wt.% glass fiber reinforced PEEK composite (PEEK+30%GF) against long glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite and stainless-steel increases slightly with the increase in applied pressure values. Finally, the wear rates for PEEK polymer composite against long glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite and stainless steel under dry sliding conditions are in the order of 10-14 and 10-15 m2/N, respectively. The results suggested that it is more convenient to use glass fiber reinforced poly-ether-ketone composite against stainless steel for tribological applications.