Porous composites, such as polyimide and polyetheretherketone
(PEEK)
polymer composites, became more attractive as a result of excellent
specific strength, lightweightness, and smart lubrication. However,
revealing the influence of a porous filler on the friction behaviors
of polymer composites remains a challenge. The current work examines
the effects of the pore structure and wettability on the mechanical
and tribological performances of polymer composites reinforced with
fillers. Three kinds of particles (non-porous, porous, and oleophobic
porous) act as fillers within PEEK, respectively. It was identified
that adding porous zeolite particles into PEEK slightly decreased
the mechanical property. The zeolite particles significantly increased
the oil adsorption of the composite, leading to a significant increase
in the friction coefficient at 10 wt % content. However, the friction
coefficient of the PEEK composite filled with 20 wt % modified zeolite
was relatively low as a result of the weak adsorption. The interface
analyses indicated that the thickness of the oil film was controlled
via porous structures, changing the lubrication regime of the tribopair.
The reason is the appropriate adsorption of oil and the release of
zeolite from the composites during the friction process. These results
can offer technical guidance to control the friction behaviors of
composites under oil-lubricating conditions by a porous particle and
pore modification.