Development of Polymer Composite Materials Based on Ultrahigh-Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Carbon Fillers

Abstract

The present study investigates the influence of carbon fibers of LO-1-12N/40 brand and modified carbon fibers of "Belum" brand on performance properties and structure of polymer composite materials based on UHMWPE of Gur-4150 grade. It has been established that introduction of both modified carbon fibers and LO-1-12N/40 carbon fiber in an amount of from 1 to 10 wt.% into the polymer matrix does not lead to significant changes in stress-strain properties of composites compared to the starting polymer. It is shown that the wear resistance of the obtained materials is significantly increased when filling with 5 wt.% carbon fibers of "Belum" brand. The rate of mass wear of polymer composite materials is reduced by 3.3 times; the friction coefficient of PCM is lowered by 3.5 times relative to the starting polymer.

Development of Multifunctional Composites Based on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene

“…The rate of mass wear decreased by 3.3 times while maintaining the physical-mechanical characteristics at the level of the original matrix. A certain decrease in the coefficient of composite friction was detected compared with the initial polymer, which can be explained by the unique antifriction properties of carbon fibers acting as a solid lubricant[12][13][14][15]. It is known that the failure of polymer parts and elements is quite frequently caused by the creep effect.…”