Abstract
The properties of hybrid self-reinforced composite (SRC) materials based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were studied. The hybrid materials consist of two parts: an isotropic UHMWPE layer and unidirectional SRC based on UHMWPE fibers. Hot compaction as an approach to obtaining composites allowed melting only the surface of each UHMWPE fiber. Thus, after cooling, the molten UHMWPE formed an SRC matrix and bound an isotropic UHMWPE layer and the SRC. The single-lap shear test, flexural test, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were carried out to determine the influence of hot compaction parameters on the properties of the SRC and the adhesion between the layers. The shear strength increased with increasing hot compaction temperature while the preserved fibers’ volume decreased, which was proved by the DSC analysis and a reduction in the flexural modulus of the SRC. The increase in hot compaction pressure resulted in a decrease in shear strength caused by lower remelting of the fibers’ surface. It was shown that the hot compaction approach allows combining UHMWPE products with different molecular, supramolecular, and structural features. Moreover, the adhesion and mechanical properties of the composites can be varied by the parameters of hot compaction.
Highlights
The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the main material used for the acetabular cup of artificial hip joints due to its outstanding physical and mechanical properties over other polymers
The most popular ones are the reinforcement with carbon nanotubes [9], graphene [10], kaolin or zeolite fibers [11,12]; filling of silver [13], zirconium/titanium/hafnium [14], alumina nanoparticles [15], or surface modification by argon plasma [16], chemical etching, electrostatic spraying techniques [17,18], and ultraviolet grafting [19]
A highly oriented fibrillar structure of the initial UHMWPE fibers is a reason for their high mechanical properties in addition to a high degree of crystallinity (96.8% for the used fibers)
Summary
The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the main material used for the acetabular cup of artificial hip joints due to its outstanding physical and mechanical properties over other polymers. There are many approaches to the improvement in mechanical stability (hardness, elastic modulus), tribological behavior (wear resistance), or adhesive (roughness of surface) properties of the polyethylene. Many studies are focused on altering physical and chemical properties of the UHMWPE to increase wear resistance, using gamma-irradiated cross-linking [20,21], which correlates with decreases in wear. This technique can result in a reduction of chemical stability, ultimate tensile strength, and impact strength of the Materials 2020, 13, 1739; doi:10.3390/ma13071739 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
