Potential of plasma nitriding of polymer for improved hardness and wear resistance

Abstract

Samples of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) have been surface treated with the active screen (AS) plasma nitriding technique. The results show that AS plasma nitriding can improve the mechanical properties such as hardness, elastic modulus and creep resistance on the surface of the investigated polymer. As a result, the nitrided samples have improved wear resistance as compared to the untreated material. From a technological and economical point of view, active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) is likely to have high potential for surface modification of polymers for improved surface hardness and wear resistance.