Abstract
Atomic force microscopy and friction force microscopy have been used to conduct microfriction studies on short carbon fiber reinforced PEEK/PTFE composite blends. The relative micro-scale coefficients of friction of different filler particles (PTFE, CF in normal and anti-plane orientation, and graphite) have been compared with the matrix PEEK. The order of the nanoscopic coefficients of friction was: carbon fiber in normal orientation>carbon fiber in plane orientation>PEEK matrix>graphite flake>carbon fiber in parallel orientation>PTFE particle. Additional microhardness studies resulted in qualitative hardness comparisons of the various phases. Their order of the form: carbon fibers ≫ PEEK and graphite>PTFE also reflects the contribution of the various phases to the wear resistance of the composite blend. The latter can be estimated from the AFM-topography traces of the polished composite surfaces.