Friction and wear properties of graphene oxide/ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene composites under the lubrication of deionized water and normal saline solution

Abstract

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and UHMWPE composites reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) were successfully fabricated through a new step of liquid-phase ultrasonic dispersion, high-speed ball-mill mixing, and hot-pressing molding technology. When the GO/UHMWPE composites were lubricated with deionized water (DW) and normal saline (NS) solution, their friction and wear properties were investigated through sliding against ZrO 2 . The worn surface and wear volume losses of these composites were studied with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and a Micro-XAM 3D noncontact surface profiler. The results show that the microhardness of the GO/UHMWPE composites was improved by 13.80% and the wear rates were decreased by 19.86 and 21.13%, whereas the depths of the scratches were decreased by 22.93 and 23.77% in DW and NS lubricating conditions, respectively.

Tribological performance of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

“…One of these polymers that have largely been explored for this purpose is ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) due to its attractive properties. These include corrosion resistance, high impact strength, low friction, and high wear resistance compared to other polymers . However, the load bearing capacity of UHMWPE is relatively low and its high viscosity poses fabrication challenges Moreover, its poor thermal conductivity can limit the applications for high contact sliding speed.…”

“…Graphene has been specifically identified as a new material that can enhance the wear properties of UHMWPE by providing strength and reduced friction as well as improved thermal conductivity. This is due to its large 2D surface area, outstanding mechanical and thermal properties .The graphene materials that have been used include single layer graphene (SLG), few layers graphene (FLG), graphene oxide (GO) and GNPs . However, poor processing such as inhomogeneous dispersion, inefficient composite fabrication can prevent attainment of desired properties for the use of UHMWPE–graphene composite as a boundary lubricant.…”

“…A comprehensive review has shown that several studies have been carried out on the behavior of UHMWPE‐graphene composite in terms of physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and biocompatible properties . However, very few studies have investigated the possible application of UHMWPE with graphene in the field of mechanical bearings . Few studies reported the results of scratch tests which does not simulate the physics of mechanical bearings.…”

Tribological Properties and Characterization of Diamond Like Carbon Coatings Deposited by MW/RF and RF Plasma‐Enhanced CVD Method on Poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)

“…The ceramic ball with a diameter of 1/4 inch, made of the zirconium oxide was used for the tests. Ceramic materials are, due to their properties such as high hardness and biocompatibility, increasingly used in the tribological investigations of biomaterials . Obtained traces of wear were analyzed using the optical microscopy (Olympus GX‐71 device) as well as the Hommel Tester T‐1000 profilometer equipped with the measuring wave head.…”

Role of Graphene oxide and addition of MoS2 in HDPE matrix for improved tribological properties

“…Consequently SEM offers confidence to the slide wear information. The work announced by different scientists [9,10,11] with the utilization of graphene oxide or some other oxides uncover that the expansion to a lattice enhances the slide wear protection because of the expansion in hardness level contrasted with the oxide free framework. The coefficient of erosion is another parameter which has been resolved for expansion of graphene oxide at four levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) and MoS2 at 0.8% to HDPE lattice.…”