Evolution of crystallinity of PEEK and glass-fibre reinforced PEEK under tribological conditions using Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

A comparative study of PEEK and glass-fibre reinforced PEEK was performed to describes the degradationmechanisms in sliding conditions. Results were focused on Raman spectroscopy data in order to determine thelocal crystallinity rate of PEEK and to complete the scenario of degradation by taking into account the micro-structure transformation during the wear tests. In thefirst period of the test, an amorphisation mechanism ofboth materials is identified. Then, during the second period of the test, these materials reach the glass transitiontemperature, and a cold crystallisation is detected in the wear track.