Anisotropic tribological behavior and fiber orientation mechanisms of CF/PEEK composites fabricated via PBF additive manufacturing

However, the underlying correlation between the inherent manufacturing process, microstructural evolution, and resultant macroscopic properties remains elusive. This study systematically elucidates the anisotropic tribological behavior of PBF-printed CF/PEEK composites driven by process-induced fiber orientation.

Microstructural analysis reveals that the shear flow during the powder-spreading phase induces a preferential alignment of carbon fibers. Consequently, the X-plane exhibits a higher fiber cross-sectional area fraction (7.88%), where the vertically oriented fibers act as robust "load-bearing micro-pillars". This unique micro-architecture significantly resists plastic deformation and plowing, reducing the specific wear rate to 2.0×10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm—an order of magnitude lower than pure PEEK, and 28% lower than the perpendicular Z-plane.