Effects of attapulgite on the worn surface and fretting wear resistance property of UHMWPE composites

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the fretting wear property of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites reinforced by different content of attapulgite. Design/methodology/approach A series of composites were prepared by a hot-pressing method. Fretting tests were carried out using an SRV-IV oscillating reciprocating friction wear tester with a load of 10 N and a frequency of 100 Hz. The morphology of the fracture structure and the worn surface was observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and a non-contact three dimensional surface profiler. Findings With the addition of attapulgite, the microstructure of the composites become more regular, and their heat resistance improved. Furthermore, the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate of the composites with lower filler content reduced compared with that of neat UHMWPE, and the optimum filler content is 1 per cent. Originality/value The study investigated the fretting resistance mechanism of the attapulgite in the UHMWPE matrix. The results could help to provide some experimental evidence for the broader application of silicates on the fretting wear resistance of polymers. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0420/

Preparation and Tribological Behaviors of Antigorite and Wollastonite Mineral Dual-Phase-Reinforced Polytetrafluoroethylene Matrix Composites

“…The uniformly dispersed serpentine particles effectively prevented the severe adhesive wear of PTFE, and a relatively stable and low friction coefficient was achieved owing to the existence of the serpentine particulates, which acted as effective barriers for the large-scale adhesive wear of the PTFE matrix. Zhao et al [16] filled ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with attapulgite powder and prepared composites with good thermal stability and denser microstructures. The coefficient of friction was reduced by 29%, and the specific wear rate was decreased by 42% with the addition of 1 wt.% attapulgite.…”