Effects of nano-and micro-TiO_2 on polytetrafluoroethylene/polyethertherketone composites' tribological performance

The tribological performance of volume fraction of nano-TiO2 and micro-TiO2 filled polytetrafluoroethylene / polyethertherketone( PTFE / PEEK) composites was studied,and the influences of various loads and sliding speeds on the tribological performance were also investigated. Results showed that nano-TiO2 and micro-TiO2 could improve the tribological performance of PTFE / PEEK composites,thus the best tribological performance was obtained at 1% TiO2. The wear rate of 1% nano-TiO2/ PTFE /PEEK composites was only 50% of that of PTFE / PEEK composites and 70% of that of micro-TiO2/PTFE / PEEK composites. In addition,in the same testing conditions and filler contents,the nano-TiO2 filled in PTFE / PEEK composites had better tribological performance and lower contact temperature thanthat of micro-TiO2/ PTFE / PEEK composites. Scanning electron microscope( SEM) images revealed that1% nano-TiO2 could form uniform,and smooth transfer film,and reduce the adhesive wear of PTFE /PEEK composites.