A sulfonated modification of PEEK for ultralow friction

Abstract Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a widely used material for friction pairs due to its excellent mechanical strength, good wear resistance, and chemical inertness. However, some modifications are necessary when PEEK as water-lubricated pair. In this study, novel sulfonation method was developed design pair with ultralow friction, high loading capacity. powders were sulfonated using ClSO 3 H sintered form bulk plastic. The (SPEEK) plastic exhibited tribological properties. At low sliding speed, the coefficient smaller than 0.02 wt% NaCl solution lubricant. order of magnitude rate 10 −8 mm /(N·m). mechanism reduction mainly hydration lubrication. negatively charged −SO − groups on can adsorb hydrated Na + cations by electrostatic interactions. These have load capacity shearing resistance. observed in study possibly properties prepared through proposed thermoforming procedures.