Three-Component Composite Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

A comparative analysis on structure, mechanical and tribological properties of a multicomponent extrudable polymer composites "UHMWPE + 17 wt. % HDPE-g-SMA + 12 wt. % PP" fabricated by i) FDM (fused deposition modeling) as well as hot pressing of ii) powder mixture, and iii) granules of the same composition has been conducted. It is shown that UHMWPE composites obtained by the 3D–printing over a complex of tribomechanical properties (wear resistance, friction coefficient, elastic modulus, yield point, tensile strength, elongation at break) are comparable with those of composites fabricated by compression sintering of granules (this is associated with formation of more homogeneous permolecular structure, first of all, due to the compounding with the help of a twin-screw extruder) and significantly exceed those for hot pressing of powder mixtures. The obtained results allow one to recommend this composite for manufacturing complex shape products for tribotechnical application at employing 3D-printing technologies.