Structure and Friction Behavior of UHMWPE/Inorganic Nanoparticles

Abstract

We investigated tribological properties and worn surfaces morphology of polymer nanocomposite (PNCs) based on ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene and aluminum and silicon oxide and nitride nanoparticle (NP) fillers by several methods to establish wear mechanisms. Joint mechanical activation in a planetary mill was used for the PNC preparation. PNCs with Al2O3 showed the best wear resistance. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that worn surfaces of PNCs with different fillers had different wear mechanisms. IR-spectroscopy and EDS analysis showed that oxidation processes occurred during friction and wear. Oxides of aluminum and silicon might be catalysts of oxidation processes. Due to tribochemical processes, cross-linked structures were formed on the PNCs surfaces. Probably, these cross-linked structures provide increase of wear resistance.

UHMWPE/CaSiO3 Nanocomposite: Mechanical and Tribological Properties

“…To achieve the desired tribological/mechanical properties and other functions, various types of fillers are introduced into the polymer matrix (fibrous reinforcing fillers, finely divided fillers, chopped glass fiber, metal oxides, etc.) [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Matrix fillers have an advantage over a mixture of fillers such as fibers, since they do not require alignment and orientation in composites, which significantly affects the wear resistance of PCM and directed loading when slipping [ 18 ].…”

Mechanical, Wear and Thermal Behavior of Polyethylene Blended with Graphite Treated in Ball Milling

“…It was also pointed out that the worsening of other properties (or the lower-than-expected result) could be attributed to the poor affinity between the polar graphite and the nonpolar matrix during the realization of the nanocomposite [ 17 ]. Thus, particle volume fractions, aspect ratio, number, and distribution of particles, type of the boundary between the filler and the polymeric matrix, and particle’s shape have great effects on the resulting nanocomposite properties [ 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Nanocomposites Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene and Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene: A Brief Review

“…52 The physical and mechanical properties of UHMWPE modified by mechanically activated kaolinite in amounts of 0.5-5.0 wt % have been evaluated. 53 Compared with the original polymer, Table 3 shows that a 15% increase in tensile strength and 20% increase in elongation at break were observed. Filling with 0.5-1.0 wt % kaolinite afforded the best results.…”

“…However, Table 5 shows that an increase in the filler content in the polymer does not decrease the strength properties over the entire concentration range, unlike the mechanically activated kaolinite. 53 We studied the XRD patterns of the composites in order to explain the property variations of UHMWPE with small amounts of kaolinite. 53 The kaolinite peak disappeared in the diffraction pattern when 0.005-0.05 wt % cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant depending on filler loading was used, as shown in Figure 6.…”

“…53 We studied the XRD patterns of the composites in order to explain the property variations of UHMWPE with small amounts of kaolinite. 53 The kaolinite peak disappeared in the diffraction pattern when 0.005-0.05 wt % cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant depending on filler loading was used, as shown in Figure 6. This observation may result from the intercalation of the polymers in the interlayer spaces of the kaolinite and exfoliation of the clay sheets into the polymer matrix.…”