Modification of polyetherimide by phenylethynyl terminated agent for improved tribological, macro- and micro-mechanical properties

► Modified PEI resins were prepared from different calculated Mn oligomers. ► Tg, macro- and micro-mechanical properties were enhanced by phenylethynyl terminated agent. ► The improvement in macro- and micro-mechanical properties led to obtain better wear resistance. ► Best wear resistance was obtained as ca. five times more than that of unmodified PEI. ► Type of wear changed from abrasive wear into fatigue wear.