Study on performance of multiwall carbon nanotubes and functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes/ poly aryl ether ketone polymer composite gears

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal and wears resistance performance of polymer gears made of pristine poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) and PAEK polymer matrix incorporating both pristine multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and functionalized MWCNT polymer composites under different operating conditions. The investigation involves the thermal behavior, wear performance and surface roughness of gears at different torques (0 Nm, 6 Nm, 8 Nm, and 10 Nm) and at rotational speeds such as 1000 rpm and 1500 rpm. The polymer composite materials are prepared by using a twin-screw extruder and the gears of these materials are manufactured by using an injection molding machine. The gears are examined using a gear test rig. The surface temperature, specific wear rate and surface roughness are the parameters that are measured at different torques and rotational speeds using a gear test rig, before and after the running operations of these gears. The gears made of PAEK and amine functionalized MWCNT composite materials exhibits improved performance in terms of wear resistance and thermal behavior.