Wear properties of polyetherimide and carbon fiber-reinforced polyetherimide composite

The tribological properties of high temperature resistant thermoplastic composites, polyetherimide (PEI), reinforced with graphite and short carbon fiber (SCF), were investigated in dry sliding conditions. Friction and wear experiments were conducted on a pin-on-disc apparatus, using composite pins against polished steel counterparts. It was found that SCF could effectively enhance both the wear resistance and the load-carrying capacity of the base polymers. With the addition of SCF, the frictional coefficient and wear rate of the composites were further reduced especially. On the basis of microscopic observation of worn surfaces, dominant wear mechanisms are discussed.