Influence of bionic non-smooth surface texture on tribological characteristics of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone under seawater lubrication

To explore anti-wear characteristics for valve pair, the influences of smooth and non-smooth surfaces on tribological properties of the carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRPEEK) coupled with stainless steel 316L were investigated under natural seawater lubrication. The results show that the specimen with ellipsoidal pits has the best frictional performance, followed by the specimen with triangular pits, and the specimen with hemispherical pits is the worst. Microscope observation analysis showed that the reasonable non-smooth surface can reduce adhesion wear and improved the stability of friction system as compared to smooth surface. Results also indicated that the reasonable non-smooth unit can effectively store seawater and debris, and produce hydrodynamic lubrication effect, which surface shows the excellent tribological properties.