Research Progress on Friction and Wear Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Composites

Irreversible damage and progressive material loss at contact interfaces caused by friction and wear during mechanical equipment operation are key factors leading to component performance degradation, efficiency reduction, and unexpected failures. The development of advanced wear-resistant materials combining ultra-low friction coefficients with tolerance to extreme environments is therefore crucial. Carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites have emerged as a significant solution to this challenge due to their excellent tribological properties. This paper systematically reviews the effects of lubricating media, counterpart materials, and testing conditions on the tribological performance of CF/PEEK composites and their underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, it focuses on three major modification strategies for enhancing anti-friction and wear resistance: promoting lubricating transfer film formation through functional filler compounding, optimizing stress transfer via interfacial reinforcement, and improving contact state by surface texturing technology. The respective mechanisms and research progress of these strategies are critically discussed. Finally, addressing challenges in extreme environmental adaptability, precise microstructure control, and environmental compatibility, future research directions in high-performance solid lubrication, intelligent structural design, and green technologies are outlined, providing theoretical guidance for developing high-performance wear-resistant composites.