Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop a design methodology for the UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites used in friction units. To achieve this, stress–strain analysis was done using computer simulation of the triboloading processes. In addition, the effects of carbon fiber size used as reinforcing fillers on formation of the subsurface layer structures at the tribological contacts as well as composite wear resistance were evaluated. A structural analysis of the friction surfaces and the subsurface layers of UHMWPE as well as the UHMWPE-based composites loaded with the carbon fibers of various (nano-, micro-, millimeter) sizes in a wide range of tribological loading conditions was performed. It was shown that, under the “moderate” tribological loading conditions (60 N, 0.3 m/s), the carbon nanofibers (with a loading degree up to 0.5 wt.%) were the most efficient filler. The latter acted as a solid lubricant. As a result, wear resistance increased by 2.7 times. Under the “heavy” test conditions (140 N, 0.5 m/s), the chopped carbon fibers with a length of 2 mm and the optimal loading degree of 10 wt.% were more efficient. The mechanism is underlined by perceiving the action of compressive and shear loads from the counterpart and protecting the tribological contact surface from intense wear. In doing so, wear resistance had doubled, and other mechanical properties had also improved. It was found that simultaneous loading of UHMWPE with Carbon Nano Fibers (CNF) as a solid lubricant and Long Carbon Fibers (LCF) as reinforcing carbon fibers, provided the prescribed mechanical and tribological properties in the entire investigated range of the “load–sliding speed” conditions of tribological loading.

Highlights

  • Antifriction polymer composite materials are widely used as parts of friction units and sealing elements of equipment

  • A uniform material (UHMWPE) and a region loaded with carbon fibers of different lengths were analyzed

  • The loading degree was 5% by volume (Figure 3) that corresponded to 10% by weight

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Summary

Introduction

Antifriction polymer composite materials are widely used as parts of friction units and sealing elements of equipment. The former are of crucial importance ensuring their reliability and durability. Since it possesses low friction coefficient as well as high wear- and chemical resistance. For this reason, parts of critical structures [1,2] and up-to-date medical devices [3,4,5,6,7,8,9] have been manufactured from. UHMWPE strength and functional characteristics can be improved by loading with various fillers. This makes it possible to expand the applications of UHMWPE in medicine, mechanical engineering, mining, oil and gas, and chemical industries, as well as agriculture and other areas of technology [13,14,15,16,17]

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