On the significant enhancement in the performance properties of PAEK composite by inclusion of a small amount of nano-mica particles

The paper reports on the comparative potential of nano-particles and micro-particles of mica in glass fiber reinforced Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) composite containing graphite (10 wt%). Very high PVlimit value (>100 MPa-m/s), very low specific wear rate (K0) (2–∼8 × 10−16 m3/Nm) along with very low friction coefficient (μ) (0.04–0.08), were exhibited by the composites. The PVlimit values of a nano-composite (NC) and micro-composite were 126 and 84 MPa m/s respectively. Friction and wear performance of a nono-composite was significantly better at lower PV conditions (40% lower in wear rate and 20% in friction). Worn surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D profilometer, while the interaction of the constituents with a disc surface was investigated with the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).