Abstract
The tribological behaviour of nano-TiO
2 particle filled polyetherimide (PEI) composites, reinforced additionally with short carbon fibre (SCF) and lubricated internally with graphite flakes, was investigated. The wear tests were conducted on a pin-on-disc apparatus, using composite pins against polished steel counterparts under dry sliding conditions, different contact pressures and various sliding velocities. It was found that the conventional fillers, i.e. SCF and graphite flakes, could remarkably improve both the wear resistance and the load-carrying capacity. With the addition of nano-TiO
2, the frictional coefficient and the contact temperature of the composite were further reduced, especially under high
pv (the product of the normal pressure,
p, and the sliding velocity,
v) conditions. Based on microscopic observations of worn surfaces and transfer films on the counterparts, possible wear mechanisms were discussed.