Sliding wear performance of polymer composites under abrasive and water lubricated conditions for pump applications

Another one consisted of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) matrix, reinforced with short carbon fibres for sealing applications. Here, an unexpected phenomenon was observed. When the experiments were carried out under water lubrication against a rotating stainless steel ring, the demineralized water strongly affected the wear behaviour of the carbon fibres. It is the purpose of the ongoing study to find out which effects, respectively wear mechanisms, take place in the contact area between both partners, and how the enhanced wear can be reduced under these severe conditions.