PEEK vs PEEK Composites: Choosing Low-Wear Grades

Introduction

Wear resistance is one of the most critical performance parameters when selecting materials for bearings, bushings, seals, valve components, and dynamic mechanical parts. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is widely recognized as a high-performance thermoplastic with excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. However, when subjected to continuous sliding or high PV (pressure × velocity) conditions, the wear behavior of PEEK depends heavily on its formulation.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of PEEK wear resistance, explains the fundamental wear mechanisms, and highlights how advanced composite grades such as ARKPEEK-CF30 and ARKPEEK-MOD significantly enhance wear performance in demanding applications.

Understanding Wear Resistance in PEEK Materials

Wear resistance refers to a material’s ability to resist material loss caused by friction, abrasion, or repeated mechanical contact. In polymer systems like PEEK, wear behavior is governed by several interacting factors:

• Mechanical strength and hardness

• Ability to form a stable transfer film

• Thermal conductivity at the contact interface

• Compatibility with the mating surface

PEEK's semi-crystalline molecular structure gives it good intrinsic wear resistance compared with many engineering plastics, but unfilled PEEK is not always sufficient for long-term sliding applications.

Wear Performance of Unfilled PEEK

Neat (unfilled) PEEK offers:

• Good dimensional stability

• Moderate coefficient of friction

• Stable performance at elevated temperatures

However, under dry sliding or high-load conditions, unfilled PEEK can exhibit relatively higher wear rates. For applications involving continuous motion, engineers often turn to reinforced or modified PEEK grades to extend service life and reduce maintenance requirements.

ARKPEEK-CF30: Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK for High-Load Wear Applications

ARKPEEK-CF30 is a PEEK composite reinforced with 30% carbon fiber, designed specifically to improve wear resistance and load-bearing capability.

Key Wear-Related Advantages of ARKPEEK-CF30

• Significantly reduced wear rate compared to unfilled PEEK

• Higher stiffness and compressive strength, ideal for high PV conditions

• Improved thermal conductivity, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently from the sliding interface

• Excellent dimensional stability, reducing deformation that can accelerate wear

In tribological systems where structural rigidity is essential — such as thrust washers, bearing cages, valve seats, and robotic joint components — ARKPEEK-CF30 delivers consistent wear performance and long service life.

Note: Because carbon fibers can be abrasive to softer mating surfaces, ARKPEEK-CF30 is best paired with hardened metals or ceramic counterfaces.

ARKPEEK-MOD: Self-Lubricating PEEK for Ultra-Low Wear

While carbon fiber reinforcement improves strength and wear resistance, friction reduction is equally important. This is where ARKPEEK-MOD excels.

ARKPEEK-MOD is a tribologically optimized PEEK compound containing solid lubricants such as PTFE, graphite, and other wear-reducing additives.

Why ARKPEEK-MOD Excels in Wear Resistance

• Ultra-low wear rates under dry sliding conditions

• Reduced coefficient of friction, minimizing heat generation

• Stable transfer film formation, protecting both the PEEK component and the mating surface

• Smooth running behavior, ideal for precision and low-noise systems

ARKPEEK-MOD is particularly well suited for:

• Sliding bearings and bushings

• Sealing rings and wear rings

• Pump and valve components

• Medical and analytical instrument parts requiring clean, stable wear behavior

Compared with carbon-fiber-only grades, ARKPEEK-MOD prioritizes friction control and surface protection, making it ideal for continuous sliding applications.

ARKPEEK-CF30 vs. ARKPEEK-MOD: Choosing the Right Wear Solution

In many complex systems, both grades may be used in different locations depending on load and motion requirements.

Environmental and Temperature Effects on Wear

Both ARKPEEK-CF30 and ARKPEEK-MOD retain excellent wear performance across a wide temperature range. PEEK’s inherent thermal stability allows continuous operation up to approximately 250°C, making these materials suitable for harsh industrial environments, including chemical processing, aerospace, and high-temperature automation equipment.

Humidity, lubrication, and surface finish of the mating part can further influence wear behavior and should be evaluated during material selection.

Wear Testing and Evaluation

Wear resistance of PEEK composites is commonly evaluated using pin-on-disk or ball-on-disk testing. When comparing wear data, it is essential to ensure identical test conditions, including:

• Load and speed

• Counterface material

• Surface roughness

• Environmental conditions

ARKPEEK-CF30 and ARKPEEK-MOD consistently demonstrate superior wear performance compared with unfilled PEEK under equivalent test parameters.

Conclusion

PEEK is a strong foundation material for wear-resistant applications, but composite engineering unlocks its full tribological potential.

• ARKPEEK-CF30 offers outstanding wear resistance under high loads and demanding mechanical conditions.

• ARKPEEK-MOD delivers exceptional low-wear and low-friction performance for continuous sliding systems.

By selecting the right ARKPEEK grade based on load, motion, and counterface requirements, engineers can significantly extend component life, reduce downtime, and improve overall system reliability.