Friction and Wear Behavior of Polyimide Composites Reinforced by Surface-Modified Poly-p-Phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) Fibers in High Ambient Temperatures

Abstract

(1) In order to improve the properties of antifriction and wear resistance of polyimide (PI) composite under high temperature conditions, (2) 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and Lanthanum (La) salt modifications were employed to manufacture poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO)/PI composites with different interface properties. The representative ambient temperatures of 130 and 260 °C were chosen to study the friction and wear behavior of composites with different interface properties. (3) Results revealed that while both modification methods can improve the chemical activity of the surface of PBO fibers, the La salt modification is more effective. The friction coefficient of all composites decreases with the increase of sliding velocity and load at two temperatures, and the specific wear rate is increases. Contrary to the situation in the 130 °C environment, the wear resistance of the unmodified composite in the 260 °C environment is greatly affected by the sliding velocity and load, while the modified composites are less affected. Under the same test parameters, the PBO–La/PI composite has the lowest specific wear rate and friction coefficient, and (4) La salt modification is a more effective approach to improve the properties of antifriction and wear resistance of PI composite than APTES modification in high ambient temperatures.