INFLUENCE OF RAPIDLY QUENCHED AL–CO AND AL–NI ALLOYS ON THE ABRASIVE WEAR RATE OF POLYETHERETHERKETONE

Abstract

The paper investigates the effect of dispersed rapidly quenched binary alloys of the Al–Co and Al–Ni systems. The Co and Ni content in Al was 10 wt.% when evaluating the abrasive wear rate of polyetheretherketone grade Victrex 150G. It was established that the introduction of these alloys in the amount of 5–25 wt.% leads to a 1,8-fold reduction in the wear rate, indicating effective strengthening of the polymer composite. The increase in the wear resistance of polyetheretherketone is explained by a decrease in elastic–plastic deformations in the near-surface layers, which contributes to the retardation of the initiation and propagation of microcracks as well as local fracture zones. This is confirmed by a 1,7-fold decrease in surface roughness. It was found that the optimal content of dispersed binary alloys in the composite is 20 wt.%, at which the minimum values of abrasive wear rate and surface roughness are achieved. A further increase in the filler content up to 25 wt.% leads to a decrease in the strengthening efficiency due to agglomeration of alloy particles and the formation of structural defects in the polymer matrix. This is confirmed by a decrease in microhardness in the “polymer – filler” interfacial zone. The obtained results demonstrate the prospects of using rapidly quenched binary alloys of the Al–Co and Al–Ni systems for the development of new polymer composites with high resistance to abrasive wear. The developed composites can be used for the manufacture of wear-resistant components for agricultural, metallurgical, and automotive equipment operated under aggressive conditions, including the influence of high temperatures, increased humidity, acids, alkalis, and abrasive particles.