LAUSR

ABSTRACT Polyetherketone (PEK) is a suitable material for tribological systems that specifically require the properties of high chemical resistance, low component weight, seizure resistance under starved lubrication conditions, and operation at higher temperatures than many other engineering polymers can survive. PEK is used with a liquid lubricant at high temperatures and velocities to reduce friction and also to control unstable friction and wear, particularly in the region of the material's glass transition temperature, Tg. Intermittent and marginal lubrication using representative high-temperature synthetic lubricants was applied to high-speed, high-temperature PEK–steel sliding contacts to determine the effectiveness of lubrication under these conditions. Variations in the stability of the thin lubricant films were observed, particularly under different load conditions. Under low load conditions, the lubricant polarity and the related ability to form a film in the contact were important. Under high load conditions, the thermal stability of the lubricant became more important in retaining stability in the friction and wear mechanisms. Though not ideal practice, marginal lubrication of PEK–steel sliding contacts can be achieved by selection of an appropriate lubricant, even in the glass transition region of PEK.