Tribological Modification of Fused Deposition Modeled PEEK by Metal–Organic Frameworks of ZIF-62

To address the demand for lightweight, wear-resistant PEEK friction materials in humanoid robotics, this study employed liquid-assisted mechanochemical synthesis to create ZIF-62 crystals. These crystals were then incorporated as functional fillers into PEEK to fabricate ZIF-62/PEEK composites using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The analysis explored how the material's properties related to mechanics and wear are affected by the amount of ZIF-62 (1–3 wt.%), utilizing pin-on-ring friction tests with GCr15 steel rings as the counterface. The tribological mechanisms of the composites were explored by analyzing the morphology of the composites' surfaces after wear, along with the morphology and chemical composition of the transfer films developed on the matching surface. Particular emphasis was placed on the impact of interfacial tribochemical reactions and transfer film establishment on the composite's tribological performance. Research indicates that the integration of ZIF-62 boosts the composite's strength and ability to withstand wear. Specifically, at a ZIF-62 concentration of 3 wt.%, the composites reach 3.7 × 10 −6 mm 3 /Nm, representing a 71.5% decline compared to pure PEEK, showcasing outstanding anti-wear capabilities. Findings of the study provide a unique solution for the tribological modification of PEEK, which is instructive for the design and preparation of PEEK tribo-materials used in humanoid robots.