Friction and wear studies of polyetherimide composites under oscillating sliding condition against steel cylinder

Tribological properties of neat polyetherimide (PEI), glass, carbon fiber, and solid lubricants filled PEI composites are presented in this article. The aim of this study was to investigate the friction and wear properties of these composites under dry oscillating sliding condition at room temperature (RT) as well as at elevated temperature (120°C). The polymer specimens were made to oscillate against steel cylinder as a counterpart. The friction and wear properties of PEI and composites were strongly influenced by the temperature. Incorporation of carbon fiber in the PEI matrix has increased the wear rate at RT, while at elevated temperature this trend was opposite. Abrasive action of carbon fibers has severely damaged the counterpart and resulted in accelerated wear of the composite at RT. Solid lubricants filled (PTFE, MoS₂, graphite) along with glass fiber is beneficial in improving the friction and wear performance of the PEI composite at RT, whereas at elevated temperature wear performance was deteriorated. Tribological performance of neat PEI and glass fiber composite was similar with each other at RT. Scanning electron micrographs and optical micrographs of the worn polymer specimens and the steel cylinders was used to study the possible wear mechanisms. The present test results were also compared with data available on the reciprocating wear of PEI and composites in the literature and trends have been reported. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:48–60, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers