Aqueous lubrication and surface microstructures of engineering polymer materials (PEEK and PI) when sliding against Si3N4

• DOI: 10.1007/s40544-017-0155-9
• Publication Date: 2017-06-16T18:40:42Z
• Authors: Anying Wang; Shuai Yan; Bin Lin; Xiaofeng Zhang; Xiaoxue Zhou
• Keywords: PEEK; aqueous lubrication; PI; tribological properties; TJ1-1570; Mechanical engineering and machinery; 02 engineering and technology; ceramic bearing; 0210 nano-technology; dry friction

Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and polyimide (PI) are two kinds of engineering polymer materials widely used as roller bearing cages rings under extreme environment because their noise reduction corrosion resistance properties. The Si3N4 ceramic is the most common ball material. Many current applications bearings require aqueous lubrication. Therefore, this study presents lubrication tribopairs formed by PEEK PI material sliding against ceramic. Experimental results show that exhibited similar tribological properties dry condition. Water a lubricant for PI–Si3N4 tribopair pairs effectively reduces both friction coefficients 35.5% wear rates 32%. water absorption induces better changing surface In addition, dimples appearing on generate additional hydrodynamic further improve surface. PEEK–Si3N4 shows environments. approximately more than times sliding. However, inhibits appearance crush phenomenon enhances carrying capacity tribopair. Energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray diffraction spectra demonstrate no chemical corrosion. 3D profiler SEM morphologies illustrate transfer film would be from but hindered friction. Overall, exhibits promising future in industry.