A study on tribological performances of PEEK and PTFE based composites with MoS2 reinforcements

Abstract This study investigates the tribological and mechanical properties of poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based composites with molybdenum di‐sulphide (MoS 2 ) reinforcements. Polymeric composite materials have gained popularity in various tribology applications due to low weight, reduced wear and friction characteristics, and improved commercial aspects. MoS 2 exhibits superior strengthening characteristics and improved tribological functionality depending on its concentration. Mechanical properties were assessed using micro‐scratch testing, whereas tribological characteristics were investigated using pin‐on‐disc arrangement in dry conditions. Counter face discs were made up of 316 L Steel with four different roughness characteristics obtained from common machining operations: polished, turned, milled, and grit‐blasted. Friction and wear results were analyzed under three loading conditions and four roughness characteristics. MoS 2 ‐reinforced composites exhibited a scratch hardness that is roughly double that of PEEK and around ten times higher than that of PTFE. Simultaneously, adding 3 wt.% of MoS 2 in PEEK and PTFE composite reduces both volumetric wear and friction significantly compared to other combinations of materials. This study can, therefore, be practically important to produce direction in order to make a composite such as PEEK‐PTFE‐MoS 2 (1–3 wt%) to achieve tailored tribological performances based on system operational features such as load, speed, temperature, and roughness characteristics. Highlights PEEK and PTFE based composites reinforced with molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2 ). Pin‐on‐disc and scratch tests are considered for experimental analysis. 3 wt.% of MoS 2 base‐composite turned out to be the best performer. Investigation progresses with a variation of sliding speed and surface roughness.