The tribological behaviors of various oxide nanoparticles, i.e. Bi 2 O 3 , CuO, SiO 2 and ZrO 2 , added into a carbon fibers reinforced polyether-ether-ketone were comprehensively investigated. It was demonstrated that nanoparticle types played an important role in the tribological performance. When sliding took place at a low FV (load × speed) condition, the addition of CuO and ZrO 2 nanoparticles led to the formation of patch-like tribofilms increasing friction and wear. However, at FV factors ranging from 30 to 300 N•m/s, the hard nanoparticles, i.e. SiO 2 and ZrO 2 , resulted in dramatic improvement of the tribological properties. Moreover, nano-ZrO 2 was significantly more effective than nano-SiO 2 for enhancing the tribological performance. Hard nanoparticles released onto the sliding interface removed the tribo-oxidation layer on steel counterface. Hereafter, they were "tribo-sintered" into an oxide-based tribofilm having a high load-carrying capability. However, the soft nanoparticles, i.e. Bi 2 O 3 and CuO, did not help to form a robust and lubricating tribofilm.
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