Friction and Wear Properties of PEEK Resin Filled with RB Ceramics Particles under Water Lubricated Condition

Abstract

The present study investigated friction and wear of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin filled with Rice Bran (RB) ceramics particles (PEEK/RBC composites) under water lubricated condition. RB ceramics particles with mean diameter of 3 μm were compounded with PEEK resin. Mass fraction of RB ceramics particles α was 10, 20, 30, and 40 mass%. As a comparison, monolithic PEEK resin and RB ceramics were prepared. Ball on disk friction testing was carried out using an austenitic stainless steel (JIS SUS304) ball with a diameter of 8 mm under water lubricated condition. Sliding velocity ranged from 0.1 m/s to 2.0 m/s, and normal load ranged from 0.98 N to 9.8 N. PEEK/RBC composites (α = 10-40 mass%) showed significantly lower friction coefficient and specific wear rate under a wide range of normal load and sliding velocity conditions as compared with monolithic PEEK and RB ceramics. It was suggested on the basis of sliding surface observation and surface roughness analysis that the low friction was achieved for PEEK/RBC composites due to an increased hydrodynamic lubrication effect compared with monolithic PEEK and RB ceramics.