Investigations on the tribological properties of poly(arylene ether ketone) copolymer with 3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl pendants and biphenyl units

摘要

High-molecular-weight poly(arylene ether kekone) (PAEK) containing 3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl pendants and biphenyl units with a mole ratio of 3:7 (FP30-PEDEKK) has been synthesized by nucleophilic substitution copolymeriza-tion from 3-(trifluromethyl) phenylhydroquinone, 4,4'-biphenol, and 1,4-bis(p-flurobenzoyl) benzene. FP30-PEDEKK shows good mechanical strength and high thermal stability. The friction and wear behaviors of the copolymer were investigated on pin-on-disk tribological test method using UMT-2. Compared to poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), FP30-PEDEKK has better friction reduction property and more stable friction behavior, although it shows lower wear resistance. These results could be supported by the scanning electron microscope investigations which showed that FP30-PEDEKK did have smoother worn surface than PEEK under given conditions. From microscopic images and the evolution of the friction coefficient and specific wear rate, the wear mechanisms of FP30-PEDEKK were suggested. This work significantly highlights the potential of molecular design as a route toward the tribological development of PAEK.