The mechanical and tribological properties of PEEK gears

[摘要] This research compares the dynamic performance of injection moulded and laser sintered poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), outlining the potential of laser sintering as a manufacturing method for high performance polymer gears. It was observed that the mechanical properties of laser sintered PEEK was a significant improvement over previous laser-sintered materials, and comparable with high performance injection-moulded materials. In addition, the coefficient of friction and wear rates were significantly below that of injection moulded PEEK. However, for direct application of the laser sintered material EOS PEEK HP3 to power transmission gears, the predominant form of failure was bending fatigue, limiting the material to low power transmission levels. Observation of the fracture surface highlighted limited amounts of plasticity, although regions of intergranular failure and fast fracture could be identified from the failed surface. In addition, the failure stress path, in the region of progressive intergranuar failure, was governed by the partially sintered particle boundaries in the material; showing a similar failure response to flexure testing. In conclusion, despite the limited amount of plasticity shown in the material failure, the tribological properties of laser sintered PEEK mean that their application to power transmission is still desirable.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:The School of Metallurgy and Materials

[关键词] T Technology;TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery