Abrasion‐resistance of UHMWPE reinforced by illite‐smectite interstratified clay and low dose radiation

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/illite-smectite interstratified clay minerals (ISIC) composites were irradiated by γ-ray in air and N 2 at 75 kGy. The abrasion-resistance of composites were studied via a ringon-ring friction tester under dry friction conditions. Compared with virgin UHMWPE, the friction coefficient and wear rate of UHMWPE filled with 0.5 wt% ISIC powders and irradiated by γ-ray in N 2 could be further reduced by near 3.1% and 88.0%, respectively. The worn surfaces of the UHMWPE/ISIC composites irradiated in N 2 were relatively smooth after dry friction. The composites exhibited relatively high wear resistance. ISIC powders can play the role of heterogeneous nucleation and induce the crystallization of UHMWPE, thereby improving the abrasion-resistance. The linear molecular chain of UHMWPE was transformed into a three-dimensional crosslinked structure after irradiation, which can effectively enhance the plastic deformation resistance and then improve the tribological properties. The results show that low filling amount of ISIC powders and γ-ray irradiation in N 2 are effective strategies to improve abrasion resistance of UHMWPE.

Experimental and numerical investigations of VO2‐UHMWPE polymer composite plates across phase change temperature

“…5,6 Among the pool of polymers, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is extensively explored for biomedical [7][8][9] and ballistic applications. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Owing to high tensile strength and flexibility, UHMWPE has a low melting temperature (<155 C) and is viscoelastic, thus can only be utilized in a low-temperature window. 17,18 VO 2 -based UHMWPE polymer composite was recently explored for its high-temperature mechanical strength by the split Hopkinson pressure bar test by Verma et al 19 It was shown that above 75 C, the VO 2 -based UHMWPE exhibits increased dynamic mechanical strength, because of the phase transition of VO 2 from monoclinic to tetragonal, consequently leads to an increase in elastic modulus and hardness.…”

“…A wide variety of polymer composites are commercially available for such uses however polymers are known to be sensitive to temperature and strain rate as they are viscoelastic in nature 5,6 . Among the pool of polymers, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is extensively explored for biomedical 7–9 and ballistic applications 10–16 . Owing to high tensile strength and flexibility, UHMWPE has a low melting temperature (<155°C) and is viscoelastic, thus can only be utilized in a low‐temperature window 17,18 …”

Ballistic impact response and failure mechanism of aluminum/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber laminates with different adhesive quantity

“…Therefore, it is extensively applied in the development of protective armors for soldiers and other military fields. [ 12–14 ] Over the recent years, some researchers have attempted to utilize the outstanding energy absorption capacity of UHMWPE fiber for preparing FMLs with enhanced high‐velocity impact resistance. Li et al [ 15 ] compared the high‐velocity impact resistance of two kinds of FMLs prepared by carbon FRCs and UHMWPE FRCs with Ti‐6Al‐4V titanium alloy, and the results indicated that the latter had a better ballistic performance than the former in terms of ballistic limit and energy absorption.…”

“…Therefore, it is extensively applied in the development of protective armors for soldiers and other military fields. [12][13][14] Over…”