MoS_(2) reinforced PEEK composite for improved aqueous boundary lubrication

Polyether-etherketone(PEEK)is a corrosion-resistant material that has been widely used in aqueous lubrication.However,its anti-wear performance must be improved for its application in the industry.In this study,to improve the anti-wear performance of PEEK for aqueous boundary lubrication,PEEK/MoS_(2)composites were prepared by ball-milling and spark plasma sintering processes.A competitive MoS_(2)mechanism between the low shear strength property and the role of promoting wear debris generation influences the anti-wear performance of PEEK/MoS_(2)composites.Experiments demonstrated that the coefficients of friction(COF)and wear rate of PEEK composite with 0.25 wt%MoS_(2)were significantly reduced 68%and 94%,respectively.Furthermore,this was the first time that a PEEK composite could achieve a COF of less than 0.05 in aqueous boundary lubrication.Its anti-wear performance was verified to be better than that of PEEK/carbon fiber(CF)and Thordon composites.The PEEK/MoS_(2)composite may be a potential material for underwater equipment because of its outstanding anti-wear performance in aqueous boundary lubrication.