Solid-Lubricant, Polymer - Polymeric and Functionalized Fiber- and Powder Reinforced Composites of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Abstract

Mechanical and tribotechnical characteristics of solid-lubricant and polymer-polymeric composites of UHMWPE were studied for the sake of design extrudable, wear-resistant, selflubricant polymer mixtures for Additive Manufacturing (AM). Tribotechnical properties of UHMWPE blends with the optimized content of solid lubricant fillers (polytetrafluoroethylene, calcium stearate, molybdenum disulphide, colloidal graphite, boron nitride) were studied under dry sliding friction at different velocities (V=0.3 and 0.5 m/s) and loads (P=60 and 140 N). Also, in order to increase strength and wear-resistance of UHMWPE composites they were reinforced with wollastonite microfibers and aluminum metahydroxide AlO (OH) microparticles preliminary treated (functionalized) in polyorganosiloxane. The comparison on measured mechanical and tribotechnical properties are given with interpretation of the mechanisms of observed phenomenon.