THERMAL-ANALYSIS OF THE WEAR DEBRIS OF POLYETHERETHERKETONE

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal performance of the wear debris an d the worn pin tops of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) after unlubricated sliding wear tests at a constant sliding speed of 1 m s(-1). It was fo und that the friction interfacial temperature might have ranged from 3 00 degrees C to 345 degrees C, hence favouring plastic flow mechanisms to occur and resulting in lubricating effects. In addition, thermal o xidative cross-linking reactions took place in PEEK as the wear testin g proceeded, causing a reduction in the crystallizability. The most si gnificant changes in thermal behaviour were observed from the wear deb ris produced under lower loadings (i.e. 1 and 3 MPa). The possible str ucture-property relationships that might have affected the wear mode a nd the morphological feature of the wear debris are discussed. Copyrig ht (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd