Fabrication of Polyimide-Modified UHMWPE Composites and Enhancement Effect on Tribological Properties

Polyimide-modified ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites were fabricated by hot-press molding process. Mesoscopic morphologies of polyimide/UHMWPE blending systems show high compatibility between the phases of polyimide and UHMWPE when the weight ratio of polyimide is no more than 50?wt%. Investigation of the tribological properties with a reciprocating ball-on-flat contact tribometer shows that the polyimide filler has important effects on the friction and wear behavior of UHMWPE composites. Compared to pure UHMWPE, the composite with 50?wt% polyimide improved tribological properties best and exhibited 43.1% reduction in friction coefficient and 66.7% reduction in wear volume loss.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of α-ZrP/UHMWPE blend composites containing compatibilizer and its tribological behavior under seawater lubrication

In this work, blended composites with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as matrix polymer, α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) as filler, and sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) as compatibilizer were prepared. The interfacial interaction between PAANa as a compatibilizer and the components of α-ZrP/UHMWPE was studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The friction and wear behavior of the GCr15 ball/composite friction pair under seawater lubrication under different loads were explored, and the friction and wear mechanism were analyzed. The results show that PAANa as a compatibilizer can effectively improve the interfacial interaction force between components of PAANa/α-ZrP/UHMWPE composites. The composites exhibited different trends regarding the relationship between tribological properties and α-ZrP content under various loads. The wear mechanism of composites under low load is mainly represented by extrusion deformation. With the increase of load, the wear mechanism of composites gradually changed into adhesive wear and abrasive wear (depending on the content of α-ZrP). This work provides a theoretical basis for preparing and applying other α-ZrP/polymer blend composites.     

Thermal and Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Cellulose- and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB)-Filled Polypropylene Biocomposites

This paper presents a comparative study on the effect of cellulose and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) on thermal degradation and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) biocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the biocomposite showed decrease in thermal stability and degradation temperature and increase in ash content. This was a result of lower thermal stability of the biofiller compared of that of the PP. However, an improvement was observed in the thermal properties of PP-cellulose biocomposite due to the dispersion and interfacial adhesion between the cellulose and PP. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the biocomposites were not significantly changed. The storage modulus (E′) of the biocomposites was found to be higher than that of pure PP, because incorporation of biofiller increased the stiffness of the biocomposites. The decline in E″ of the biocomposites at higher temperatures is associated with the increasing viscosity and chain mobility of matrix polymer.     

Investigation of the influence of red phosphorus,expansible graphite and zinc borate on flame retardancy and wear performance of glass fiber reinforced PA6 composites

The flame retarded materials were prepared which used wear‐resistant PA6 composite (PA6/GF/PTFE/UHMWPE/CG, 85/15/5/5/5 by weight) as matrix, red phosphorus (RP), expansible graphite (EG), and zinc borate (ZB) as fire retardant. The flame retarded properties were characterized by LOI and UL‐94 testing. PA6 composite with 15 wt% RP reached V0 rating and had a high LOI value (27.3 vol%). When a combination of 7 wt% ZB and 8 wt% RP was added, increases in LOI (27.9 vol%) and UL‐94 rating(V0) were both observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and char residue characterization showed that the combination of RP and ZB can promote the formation of char barrier, reduce the mass loss rate, and thus improve the flame retardancy of PA6 composites. The wear test showed that, the composite filled by 15 wt% RP or a combination of 7 wt% ZB and 8 wt% RP both possessed a low wear rate and a much stable friction coefficient. The presence of EG could also improve the flame retardance but was harmful to the mechanical property as well as wear performance. The results indicated that ZB and RP had synergy effect on improving both flame retardance and wear performance of PA6 composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2090–2097, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of Fiber Esterification on Fundamental Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Biocomposites

A new class of biocomposites based on oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), which is a biodegradable aliphatic aromatic co-polyester, were prepared using melt blending technique. The composites were prepared at various fiber contents of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% and characterized. Chemical treatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber was successfully done by grafting succinic anhydride (SAH) onto the EFB fiber surface, and the modified fibers were obtained in two levels of grafting (low and high weight percentage gain, WPG) after 5 and 6 h of grafting. The FTIR characterization showed evidence of successful fiber esterification. The results showed that 40 wt% of fiber loading improved the tensile properties of the biocomposite. The effects of EFB fiber chemical treatments and various organic initiators content on mechanical and thermal properties and water absorption of PBAT/EFB 60/40 wt% biocomposites were also examined. The SAH-g-EFB fiber at low WPG in presence of 1 wt% of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) initiator was found to significantly enhance the tensile and flexural properties as well as water resistance of biocomposite (up to 24%) compared with those of untreated fiber reinforced composites. The thermal behavior of the composites was evaluated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermogravimetric (DTG) thermograms. It was observed that, the chemical treatment has marginally improved the biocomposites' thermal stability in presence of 1 wt% of dicumyl peroxide at the low WPG level of grafting. The improved fiber-matrix surface enhancement in the chemically treated biocomposite was confirmed by SEM analysis of the tensile fractured specimens.     

分子量对UHMWPE干摩擦条件下的销-盘摩擦磨损行为的影响

采用销-盘试验,在转速为60 r/min,法向为载荷(392±29)N,聚合物盘与钢销摩擦副接触形式为面-面,试验时间为1.5 h,试验环境温度为20℃,相对湿度为60%的条件下,研究了200万、300万、500万和900万分子量的UHMWPE分别与钢配副干摩擦时UHMWPE分子量对其摩擦磨损性能的影响,并利用扫描电子显微镜观察其磨损表面形貌。结果表明:UHMWPE分子量其摩擦磨损性能有显著影响,UHMWPE的分子量为300万时,摩擦副的摩擦因数及UHMWPE自身的磨损为最小。     

Formulation‐properties versatility of wood fiber biocomposites based on polylactide and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends

This article discusses the interrelation between formulation, processing, and properties of biocomposites composed of a bioplastic reinforced with wood fibers. Polylactide (PLA) and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS) were used as polymeric matrices. Two grades of PLA, an amorphous and a semicrystalline one, were studied. TPS content in the PLA/TPS blends was set at 30, 50, and 70 wt%. Two types of wood fiber were selected, a hardwood (HW) and a softwood (SW), to investigate the effect of the fiber type on the biocomposite properties. Finally, the impact of different additives on biocomposite properties was studied with the purpose to enhance the bioplastic/wood fiber adhesion and, therefore, the final mechanical performance. The biocomposites containing 30 wt% of wood fibers were obtained by twin‐screw extrusion. The properties of the biocomposites are described in terms of morphology, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the biocomposites were tested for humidity and water absorption and biodegradability. An almost 100% increase in elastic modulus and 25% in tensile strength were observed for PLA/wood fiber biocomposite with the best compatibilization strategy used. The presence of the TPS in the biocomposites at 30 and 50 wt% maintained the tensile strength higher or at least equal as for the virgin PLA. These superior tensile results were due to the inherent affinity between the matrices and wood fibers improved by the addition of a combination of coupling and a branching agent. In addition to their outstanding mechanical performance, the biocomposites showed high biodegradation within 60 days. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1325–1340, 2014. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2013 ¹      

试验环境温度对小牛血清边界润滑条件下超高分子量聚乙烯往复磨损行为的影响

采用自行研制的往复摩擦磨损试验机,在法向栽荷为50 N、往复频率1 Hz、摩擦副接触形式为圆环外圆周/平面、初始线接触长度为6 mm,相对湿度为80%、体积含量25%小牛血清去离子水溶液边界润滑的试验条件下,研究试验环境温度对超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)与铁合金配副的往复摩擦磨损性能的影响,并利用扫描电子显微镜观察37℃时磨损表面形貌.结果表明:试验环境温度θ由10℃升高至30℃,UHMWPE/钛合金摩擦副的平均摩擦因数μa呈明显下降趋势,由30℃升高至37℃时,μa开始缓慢上升,UHMWPE的体积磨损量Wv随试验环境温度θ变化也呈现相似的规律;磨损机制主要表现为磨料磨损.     

Mechanical and tribological properties of PA66/PPS blend. III. Reinforced with GF

Based on previous work, 70 vol % PA66/30 vol % PPS blend was selected as a matrix, and the PA66/PPS blend reinforced with different content of glass fiber (GF) was prepared in this study. The mechanical properties of PA66/PPS/GF composites were studied, and the tribological behaviors were tested on block‐on‐ring sliding wear tester. The results showed that 20–30 vol % GF greatly increases the mechanical properties of PA66/PPS blend. When GF content is 20 vol %, the friction coefficient of composite is the lowest (0.35), which is decreased by 47% in comparison with the unfilled blend. The wear volume of the GF‐reinforced PA66/PPS blend composite decreases with the increase of GF content. However, the wear‐resistance is not apparently improved by the addition of GF in the experimental range for comparison with unfilled PA66/PPS blend. The worn surface and the transfer film on the counterface were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observations revealed that the friction coefficient of composite depends on the formation and development of a transfer film. The wear mechanism involves polymer matrix wear and fiber wear. The former consists of melting wear and plastic deformation of the matrix, while the latter includes fiber sliding wear, cracking, rupturing, and pulverizing. The contributions of the matrix wear and the fiber wear determine the ultimate wear volume of PA66/PPS/GF composite. In addition, the abrasive action caused by the ruptured glass fiber is also a very important factor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 523–529, 2006     

A study on sliding wear of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/polypropylene blends

The wear and friction behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/ polypropylene (PP) blends was studied. The addition of PP improves processability and the anti‐wear properties of UHMWPE. The friction coefficient and wear rate of pure UHMWPE are much higher than those of UHMWPE/PP blends under the same conditions, and the wear rate of UHMWPE is more sensitive to load and wear time than that of the UHMWPE/PP blend. Long scratch grooves and cracks occurred in the worn surface of UHMWPE, while no such serious damage was observed in the worn surface of the UHMWPE/PP blend. Atomic Force Micrograph using the contact mode indicated that the friction force between pure UHMWPE and Si₃N₄ tip is much higher than that for the UHMWPE/PP blend, which is consistent with the results from macro‐friction testing.     

The effect of PTFE on the friction and wear behavior of polymers in rolling-sliding contact

The effect of PTFE on the tribological behavior of polymers in rolling sliding contact has been investigated. The two most widely used polymers — nylon 66 and polyacetal—were used as the base material. Tests were conducted over a wide range of running conditions using a twin disc rolling-sliding test rig for both the unfilled materials and for the base materials filled with 20 wt% PTFE. The experimental results showed that the friction and wear performance of the PTFE filled polymers was superior to that of the unfilled polymers. In addition the surface cracking that was found in unfilled PA66 and was thought to be responsible for premature fracture of components such as gear teeth was suppressed by the PTFE. It is suggested that a combination of high surface temperature and high surface tensile stress, produced by friction, is required to initiate these cracks and that PTFE, by reducing friction, inhibits crack formation.     

Synthesis and characterization of CNTs/POM nanocomposite acetabular hip cup

Polyoxymethylene (POM) considered as the most appropriate alternative for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in the hip joint replacement application due to their biocompatibility, high mechanical properties, and cheapness. The wear is the main cause of the failure in the hip joint and the wear resistance of UHMWPE is still better than the wear resistance of POM. This research aims to improve the wear behavior of POM by blending it with 0.02?wt% of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and using paraffin oil dispersion technique to obtain a uniform dispersion. The injection molding and machining process were used to produce the new (CNTs/POM) nanocomposite acetabular hip cup which has a high wear performance. The wear rate of the CNTs/POM cups was evaluated using a total leg joint’s simulator at 1,000?N for 3 million cycles under serum-based lubricated conditions. Moreover, the wear mechanism of cups was examined by scanning electron microscopy as well as the dispersion of CNTs inside the cup matrix. The results show that the wear resistance of POM cup has been improved by adding functionalized CNTs ～402% and ～221%, when compared with a virgin POM and UHMWPE, respectively, because of increasing the melting temperature and crystallinity degree.     

铜及其氧化物填充UHMWPE力学、摩擦学性能研究

在超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)中分别填充铜粉、氧化铜粉和氧化亚铜粉,用万能材料试验机、摩擦磨损试验机等研究了三种填料对UHMWPE复合材料力学性能和摩擦磨损性能的影响,利用扫描电子显微镜对几种材料的磨损表面进行了观察和分析。结果表明,在填料添加量相同时,铜粉的减摩耐磨效果最好,氧化铜粉的减摩耐磨效果次之,氧化亚铜粉的减摩耐磨效果最差;以体积分数25％的铜粉填充的UHMWPE复合材料,具有良好的力学性能和摩擦学性能,是一种有应用前景的聚合物基减摩抗磨材料。     

Effect of surface treatments of banana fiber on mechanical,thermal, and biodegradability properties of PLA/banana fiber biocomposites

Poly lactic acid (PLA)/Banana fiber (BF) biocomposites were fabricated employing melt blending technique followed by compression molding. BF were surface‐treated by NaOH and various silanes viz. 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and bis‐(3‐triethoxy silyl propyl) tetrasulfane (Si69) to improve the compatibility of the fibers within the matrix polymer. Mechanical tests revealed an increase of tensile strength to the tune 136% and impact strength to 49% as compared with the untreated biocomposite. Thermal properties of the composites have been evaluated using DSC and TGA. DSC thermograms revealed an increase in the melting transitions thus revealing effective fiber/matrix interface. The thermal stability in the biocomposites also increased in case of banana fiber treated with Si69. Viscoelastic measurements using DMA confirmed an increase of storage modulus and low damping values in the silane treated biocomposites. Biodegradation studies in the biocomposites have been investigated in B. cepacia medium through morphological and weight loss studies. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Statistical design of sustainable composites from poly(lactic acid) and grape pomace

Biocomposites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and grape pomace (GP) were created via injection molding to examine the effects of GP in a PLA matrix. To optimize the mechanical performance the biocomposites were compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted PLA (MA-g-PLA). The objective of this work was to create a model that could accurately predict the mechanical properties of GP/PLA biocomposites. A region of feasibility for the biocomposites was determined using a statistical design of experiments. Linear regression was used to model the mechanical performance and predicted results with an error of 10% for both tensile and flexural strength and 16% for impact strength. The model was verified with a biocomposite of PLA/GP/MA-g-PLA with a ratio of 62/36/2. This biocomposite had a tensile strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of 25.8 MPa, 40.0 MPa, and 18.4 J/m, respectively. It was found that a linear model can accurately predict the mechanical properties of PLA/GP/MA-g-PLA biocomposites.     

Mechanical properties study of micro‐ and nano‐hydroxyapatite reinforced ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites

This is a comparative study between ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with micro‐ and nano‐hydroxyapatite (HA) under different filler content. The micro‐ and nano‐HA/UHMWPE composites were prepared by hot‐pressing method, and then compression strength, ball indentation hardness, creep resistance, friction, and wear properties were investigated. To explore mechanisms of these properties, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectrum, wettability, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry analysis were carried out on the samples. The results demonstrated that UHMWPE reinforced with micro‐ and nano‐HA would improve the ball indentation hardness, compression strength, creep resistance, wettability, and wear behavior. The mechanical properties for both micro‐ and nano‐HA/UHMWPE composites were comparable with pure UHMWPE. The mechanical properties of nano‐HA/UHMWPE composites are better compared with micro‐HA/UHMWPE composites and pure UHMWPE. The optimum filler quantity of micro‐ and nano‐HA/UHMWPE composites is found to be at 15 wt % and 10 wt %, separately. The micro‐ and nano‐HA/UHMWPE composites exhibit a low friction coefficient and good wear resistance at this content. The worn surface of HA/UHMWPE composites shows the wear mechanisms changed from furrow and scratch to surface rupture and delamination when the weight percent of micro‐ and nano‐HA exceed 15 wt % and 10 wt %. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42869.     

Processing and characterization of jute fiber reinforced hybrid biocomposites based on polylactide/polycaprolactone blends

The main focus of this work is to develop biocomposites with improved stiffness and toughness. For this purpose, hybrid biocomposites composed of surface modified jute fiber and varying weight fractions of polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are fabricated by hot pressing of solvent impregnated prepregs. Mechanical, thermal (DSC), viscoelastic properties and biodegradation of the developed biocomposites were evaluated. Surface modification of the jute fiber resulted in improvement of tensile strength and modulus and reduction in impact toughness along with vibration damping capacity. The addition of biodegradable resin PCL to PLA matrix leads to recovery of the impact toughness and damping capacity of the biocomposites, without much sacrifice in stiffness and strength. Hybrid biocomposite with 10 wt% PCL attained an optimum balance between stiffness and toughness. In addition, PCL also accelerated the biodegradation rate of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

改性超高分子量聚乙烯的摩擦磨损性能研究

通过添加聚丙烯(PP)和交联聚丙烯(PP-X)对超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)进行改性,研究了UHMWPE及其共混物的摩擦磨损性能.结果表明,在200 r/min滑动速度下,当PP或PP-X的质量分数为30%时,UHMWPE/PP的摩擦因数降至0.13,降幅达38.1%,磨痕宽度降至5.05 mm;UHMWPE/PP-X的摩擦因数降到0.12,降幅达42.9%,磨痕宽度则降至4.50 mm,UHMWPE/PP-X具有更优异的摩擦磨损性能.负载增大,UHMWPE及其共混物的摩擦磨损性能降低.磨损时间小于60 min,UHMWPE及其共混物的摩擦因数和磨痕宽度变化不大;超过60 min,摩擦因数和磨痕宽度均增大,UHMWPE/PP-X的增幅最小.高速滑动下UHMWPE/PP-X的摩擦磨损性能最高.     

Improvement of the tribological behavior of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene by incorporation of poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate)

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate) composites (coded as UHMWPE/PPHZ) were prepared by compression molding. The effects of the poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate) on the tribological properties of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites were investigated, based on the evaluations of the tribological properties of the composites with various compositions and the examinations of the worn steel surfaces and composites structures by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the incorporation of the PPHZ led to a significant decrease in the wear rate of the composites. The composites with the volume fraction of the PPHZ particulates within 45% ～ 75% showed the best wear resistance. The friction coefficient of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites decreased with increasing load and sliding velocity, while the wear rates increased with increasing load. This was attributed to the enhanced softening and plastic deformation of the composites at elevated load or sliding velocity. The UHMWPE/PPHZ composites of different compositions had differences in the microstructures and the transfer film characteristics on the counterpart steel surface as well. This accounted for their different friction and wear behaviors. The transfer film of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites appeared to be thinner and more coherent, which was largely responsible for their better wear resistance of t composite than the UHMWPE matrix. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2336–2343, 2005     

Tribological behaviour of a 3Y-TZP/Ta ceramic-metal biocomposite against ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

This study aims to evaluate the tribological behaviour of 3Y-TZP/Ta (20 vol%) ceramic-metal composites and 3Y-TZP monolithic ceramic prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) against ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). According to the results of pin (UHMWPE)-on-flat wear test under dry conditions, the UHMWPE – 3Y-TZP/Ta system exhibited lower volume loss and friction coefficient than the UHMWPE – monolithic ceramic combination due to the presence of an autolubricating layer that provides sufficient lubrication for reducing the friction. Owing to the lubrication of the liquid media, under wet conditions obtained using simulated body fluid (SBF), similar behaviour is observed in both cases. Additionally, the ceramic and biocomposite materials were subjected to a low temperature degradation (LTD) process (often referred to as “ageing”) to evaluate the changes in the tribological behaviour after this treatment. In this particular case, the wear properties of the UHMWPE-biocomposite system were found to be less influenced by ageing in contrast to the case of the UHMWPE-zirconia monolithic material. In addition to their exceptional mechanical performance, 3Y-TZP/Ta composites also showed high resistance to low temperature degradation and good tribological properties, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications, especially for orthopaedic implants.