Gamma irradiation effects on thermal, physical and tribological properties of PEEK under water lubricated conditions

Effects of gamma irradiation (upto 3MGy) on thermal, physical and tribological properties of poly-ether-ether ketone (PEEK) were studied. Several studies have presented data on radiation stability of PEEK. However, none have investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on its tribological properties. This work was carried out for applications of precision mechanisms of fuelling machine of Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Hence very slow sliding speed and water lubricated environment were selected.