Abstract: The polyimide (PI) composites filled with several solid lubricants were prepared by compression molding. The surfaces of polyimide composites were irradiated by a certain doses of atomic oxygen. The changes of surface structure of polyimide composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after irradiation, while the tribological behaviors were investigated by using a UMT wear tester at room temperature under ambient atmosphere. The surface and worn surface of the polyimide composite blocks before and after irradiation were observed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results indicated that the matrix and fillers in the PI composite surfaces were oxidized to some extent, whereas the molecule chain of the PI matrix and PTEE resin were partially destroyed during irradiation. The surface of the PI composites became rougher than that before irradiation. As a result, the friction coefficient of PI composites increased. The wear mechanism of PI composites changed from adhesive wear before irradiation to slight ploughing and abrasive wear after irradiation.

Key words: polyimide composites, atomic oxygen irradiation, tribilogical behavior

Author: Wang Qihua, Professor, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China

E-mail: wangqh@lzb.ac.cn

Tribology, Vol. 29, Issue 5, 2009, 464-467