Tribological performance of PEEK reinforced PTFE composites under dry sliding condition

0-20wt.% PEEK reinforced PTFE composites were prepared by a cold pressing-sintering method. The tribological properties and surface morphology of the transfer films were investigated via a MRH-3 friction and wear testing machine and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Results show that the wear resistance of PTFE composite is improved more than 670 times with the addition of 20wt.% PEEK and the lowest friction coefficient is obtained with 5wt.% PEEK. Surface morphology shows that the transfer film formed on the counterface becomes more and more uniform and continuous with the addition of PEEK filler, frictional trace on the transfer film suggests that abrasive wear occurred during the sliding process.