Tribological properties of MoS₂ and carbon fiber reinforced polyimide composites

The tribological properties of carbon fiber reinforced polyimide (PI) composites with different MoS₂ containing sliding against GCr15 steel were comparatively evaluated on an M-2000 model ring-on-block test rig. The wear mechanisms were also comparatively discussed, based on scanning electron microscopic examination of the worn surface of the PI composites and the transfer film formed on the counterpart. It was found that small incorporation of MoS₂ was harmful to the improvement of friction and wear behaviors of carbon fiber reinforced PI composites. However, it was found that the increasing filler of MoS₂ significantly improved the wear resistance and decreased the friction coefficient of carbon fiber reinforced PI composites. It was also found that the tribological properties of MoS₂ and short carbon fiber reinforced PI composites were closely related with the sliding condition such as sliding rate and applied load.