Experimental Studies on The Tribology Behavior of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene /Zeolite Nanocomposite

Document Type : Research Article

Author

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mianeh, East Azerbaijan Branch Technical and Vocational of University (TVU), Mianeh, Iran

Abstract

In this research article, the effect of zeolite nanoparticles on the tribological properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which are widely used in orthopedic implants, and its nanocomposites have been studied. Improving the tribological properties of this polymer is one of the medical industry challenges which has an important effect on the lifetime of orthopedic implants. Nanocomposites based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene blend, containing 2 to 6 wt. % of nano-zeolite were prepared via melt compounding followed by injection molding. The morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The wear rate and contact temperature of specimens, as well as friction coefficient, were characterized by employing a pin on disk wear test under 50 N and sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s. The wear rates, contact temperature, and friction coefficient of nanocomposite containing 4 wt. % of nano-zeolite, were 56, 32, and 26%, respectively, lower than those of neat ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In contrast, the application of 6 wt. % of nano-zeolite led to agglomeration and increased wear, temperature, and coefficient of friction compared to nanocomposite samples. In addition, the morphology of nanocomposite samples, after testing, revealed a smoother surface with mild abrasion marks than that of pure ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sample.

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Main Subjects


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