OBRABOTKAMETALLOV MATERIAL SCIENCE Vol. 27 No. 1 2025 Ta b l e 1 Summary of SEM and EDS Conditions Parameter Value Accelerating Voltage 20 kV Magnification Range 500×, 1000×, 2000×, 5000× Coating Material Gold (Au), ~10 nm thickness EDS Analysis Elemental mapping and point analysis Furthermore, elemental mapping was performed on larger areas to visualize the distribution of elements across the sample. This technique proved particularly useful for evaluating the uniformity of reinforcing particle distribution within the PEEK matrix. Analysis of the EDS spectra provided important data on the presence of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) as the primary elements of PEEK, as well as other elements introduced by the reinforcing particles. The homogeneity of the composites was assessed by comparing the elemental distribution in various analyzed regions. Significant deviations in the elemental composition indicated segregation or clustering of the reinforcing particles, which can influence the mechanical properties of the composite materials. The summary of SEM and EDS conditions is tabulated in Table 1. Fig. 5. Experimental test set up used for wear testing study Pin-on-Disk wear testing To evaluate the wear resistance of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials, including base Acrylate material, Acrylate composites with 5 wt. % PEEK, and Acrylate composites with 10 wt. % PEEK, a pin-ondisk wear test was performed. Test specimens were cylindrical pins machined from each type of material, with dimensions of 8 mm in diameter and 40 mm in height. To ensure smooth and uniform contact with the disk during testing, the pin surfaces were polished using silicon carbide abrasive paper followed by diamond paste. The wear tests were conducted on a tribometer configured in a pin-on-disk arrangement. A schematic of the test setup is shown in Fig. 5 and includes a dead weight for applying a constant load to the pin, a motor for rotating the disk, and a counterbody (SS 316 stainless steel) in the form of a disk with a surface roughness of 0.1 μm to provide a controlled and consistent contact surface. To ensure reproducibility of results and maintain uniform testing conditions, all experimental parameters were standardized. A normal load of 10 N was applied to each pin using dead weights. The disk was rotated at a constant sliding speed of 1 m/s to simulate wear conditions representative of orthopedic implants. The duration of each test corresponded to a total sliding distance of 1,000 m, to ensure that sufficient wear data
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