Effect of Test Parameters on Tribological and Hardness Properties of UHMWPE/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractUltra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) exhibits high wear resistance, low coefficient of friction (COF), and high impact strength. The operating conditions can influence the performance of the UHMWPE in specific applications. Graphene is applied as reinforcement to the UHMWPE matrix in order to improve the tribological and mechanical properties. In the present work, the effects of the test parameters on the hardness and tribological behavior of nanocomposites are evaluated. The Vickers microhardness of the UHMWPE/rGO nanocomposites increases by up to 25% at 0.50 wt% of rGO, regardless of the indentation applied load. Pin‐on‐disc tests are performed for the polymer at several sliding speeds and applied normal loads to get information about friction responses. Once the most suitable parameters have been defined, the pin‐on‐disc tests of the UHMWPE/rGO nanocomposites are performed, resulting in a decrease of up to 48% of the COF at 0.25 wt% of rGO.