Abstract:The PTFE composites filled with different volume concentrations of nano-ZrO2 and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) particles. The tribological properties of the PTFE composites were tested through a ring-block friction and wear tester under the sliding speed of 2 m/s, with the load of 200 N. Data on the tribological properties at different stages were obtained and the instantaneous wear rate of the samples throughout the test was calculated. SEM was used to observe and analyze the changes of the surface morphology of the counterpart steel rings at different test stages. The simulation of the contact stress of the PTFE composites during the friction process was analyzed by the simulation software. The results show that Nano-ZrO2 and PEEK particles can synergistically improve the tribological properties of PTFE composites. In particular, the addition of 8% nano-ZrO2 and 20% PEEK enables PTFE composite to get the best wear resistance (1.29×10-6 mm3/Nm) and low friction coefficient simultaneously. The instantaneous wear rate of 5% nano-ZrO2/10%PEEK/PTFE suddenly rises sharply at the late stage of the friction test. The entire wear process of 5% nano-ZrO2/10%PEEK/PTFE is divided into three stages (the low wear stage, transition wear stage and severe wear stage), according to the evolution of the instantaneous wear rate, worn surface, transfer film and wear debris morphology.