Abstract
AThe present research is based on development and performance evaluation of UHMWPE composites with Titania particles in various amounts and two sizes including nano-size. It also included functionalization of nano-particles (NPs) with siloxane group to enhance the adhesion with the matrix, which would help to reduce wear. Thus, the work had objectives such as; to investigate size effect (nano vs micro) and optimise the amount for best performance from the series with varying amounts (0-8 % in case of micro-composites (MCs) and 0-4 % case of nano-composites (NCs)). It was also of interest to examine effect of siloxane-functionalization of NPs (since they performed significantly better than micro-particles (MPs)) on the performance of nano-composites. It was observed that for adhesive and erosive wear modes, both types of particles (MPs and NPs) proved detrimental in spite of enhanced hardness of the composites basically because of irregular shape of particles, which altered wear mechanisms adversely. NPs proved less detrimental while F-NPs (functionalized NPs) proved marginally detrimental. In abrasive wear mode, both proved beneficial, NPs being more effective than MPs and F-NPs proved the best. The studies revealed how shape of particle influence the performance of composites in various wear modes.
Highlights
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and its composites are being widely used for applications like producing bottles for runners, chain guides, and lining for coal chutes and as bearing material in agricultural and mining equipment due to their excellent wear resistance coupled with their low coefficient of friction (μ), along with ease of availability and cost viability
The band at 1088 cm−1 attributed to the bending vibration of the filler (Ti)–OH is shifted to a lower wavenumber due to the creation of Ti–O–Si in the spectrum of Amino propyl tri-ethoxy silane (APTES)-TiO2
It is expected that the enhanced fillermatrix adhesion would lead to less debonding of particles when stressed during sliding and less wear
Summary
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and its composites are being widely used for applications like producing bottles for runners, chain guides, and lining for coal chutes and as bearing material in agricultural and mining equipment due to their excellent wear resistance coupled with their low coefficient of friction (μ), along with ease of availability and cost viability. UHMWPE is extensively used in a composite form as a bearing material for implants (joint replacements for the hip, knee, and ankle) (Wang et al, 2007; Ge et al, 2009; Holland et al, 2018; Gao et al, 2019; Ortiz-Hernández et al, 2019). It shows excellent wear resistance (WR) in almost all wear modes (Lee, 1985) along with ultra-low μ, high specific strength and modulus, UHMWPE Micro and Nano Titania toughness, very good dampening capability, excellent resistance to chemicals, etc. A lot has been reported on the exploration of various types and amounts of hard NPs (non-bio-compatible) to enhance the WR of UHMWPE (Chang et al, 2013; Xu and Tangpong, 2013; Chukov et al, 2014; Sharma et al, 2015, 2016; Kumar et al, 2017)
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