Abstract The tribological behavior of poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) in sliding contact is studied. The specimen used in the wear and friction test is a pair of ring and disc. The tribological characteristics of polymers can be measured under specific contact stresses combined with a wide range of sliding speeds under well-controlled conditions. The temperatures of the disc will be measured and calculated by thermocouples. Therefore, the wear property and surface temperature will be investigated to find the relationship between them. It is apparently that the factor of contact stress is more effective than that of sliding speed at the same PV. Consequently, the wear mechanisms of worn specimen surfaces are examined by the optical microscope. The relationship between wear behavior and thermal effect is established.