Abstract
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal performance of the wear debris and the worn pin tops of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) after unlubricated sliding wear tests at a constant sliding speed of 1 m s
−1. It was found that the friction interfacial temperature might have ranged from 300°C to 345°C, hence favouring plastic flow mechanisms to occur and resulting in lubricating effects. In addition, thermal oxidative cross-linking reactions took place in PEEK as the wear testing proceeded, causing a reduction in the crystallizability. The most significant changes in thermal behaviour were observed from the wear debris produced under lower load ngs (i.e. 1 and 3 MPa). The possible structure-property relationships that might have affected the wear mode and the morphological feature of the wear debris are discussed.