Tribological properties of CF/PEEK paired with different metals

Under the condition of impurity water lubrication, the tribological properties of three friction pairs consisting of 45#, nickel-plated steel, 304L, and carbon fi-ber-reinforced PEEK composite (CF/PEEK) were investigated. Ball-on-block reciprocating tests were conducted using a self-made friction and wear tester. In combination with surface morphology characterization, the friction and wear mechanisms of the materials were deeply analyzed. The research results showed that with changes in load and rotational speed, the friction coefficient and wear volume of CF/PEEK-45# were consistently lower than those of CF/PEEK-NP and CF/PEEK-304L. Under the condition of impurity water lubrication, the compatibility of CF/PEEK with the three materials was ranked as follows: CF/PEEK-45# > CF/PEEK-NP > CF/PEEK-304L. This study provides key data support and theoretical guidance for the practical application of CF/PEEK com-posite materials in motion pair components such as water-lubricated bearings and guide rails.