Abrasive wear of micro- and nanocomposites based on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): Part 2. composites based on UHMWPE filled by nanoparticles and nanofibers

The paper presents investigation results of nanocomposites based on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene filled by Al₂O₃, C, Cu, SiO₂ nanofillers. It is shown that nanofillers increase the abrasive resistance of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (at an abrasive graininess R240) to a much less extent (up to 55%) compared to microfillers. The structure and friction surfaces of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and its nanocomposites have been studied by optical profilometry and microscopy, IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. It has been proved that the abrasive wear resistance of the nanocomposites depends weakly on the filler type, but is defined by the matrix structure (crystallinity, ordering) and the abrasive graininess of the counterbody. The wear mechanisms of ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene-based nanocomposites in the presence of abrasives were compared to the conditions of dry friction.