Strengthening of CF/PEEK interface to improve the tribological performance in low amplitude oscillating wear mode

An attempt was made to improve the interfacial adhesion strength in carbon fabric/polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites using plasma modification of the carbon fiber surfaces. A static press method was used to fabricate CF/PEEK composites using unmodified and plasma modified carbon fibers. The influence of plasma treatment on fiber matrix interfacial shear strength was studied using a fragmentation test. The wear performance of composites was evaluated using low amplitude oscillation. A high limiting load was predicted for all modified composites. Scanning electron microscopy technique was used to support the wear trends among the composites and further investigations for underlying mechanisms.