LAUSR

Some properties of polymers can be improved through the incorporation of carbon and glass fibres into the polymer matrix. In this research the wear resistance of two polymer composites CF-PEEK and GF-PEEK were compared with the virgin PEEK. The wear resistance was assessed by Pin on Disk tests performed using a range of reinforced polymer pins tested against a steel disk. The influence of load, sliding velocity, counter-surface hardness and reinforcement concentration and type, on the specific wear rate was investigated. The materials were chosen to simulate the wear experienced between a polymeric anti-extrusion ring and a steel sealing surface utilized within valves in the oil and gas industry. The average mass loss was recorded and an Analysis of the Variance carried out to investigate the contribution of each parameter on specific wear rate. Results showed that wt.% reinforcement and type of reinforcement material were primary contributors towards specific wear rate, with a contribution of ~70%. Secondary contributors were sliding speed (~14%), and load and steel hardness (~12%). Following the wear tests, residual stress measurements were conducted on polymer reinforced with carbon fibre. It was found that compressive residual stresses existed, and that their magnitude increased with increasing load.