The Influence of Irradiation and Accelerated Aging on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of the Graphene Oxide/Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene oxide/ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (GO/UHMWPE) nanocomposite is a potential and promising candidate for artificial joint applications. However, after irradiation and accelerated aging, the mechanical and tribological behaviors of the nanocomposites are still unclear and require further investigation. GO/UHMWPE nanocomposites were successfully fabricated using ultrasonication dispersion, ball-milling, and hot-pressing process. Then, the nanocomposites were irradiated by gamma ray at doses of 100 kGy. Finally, GO/UHMWPE nanocomposites underwent accelerated aging at 80°C for 21 days in air. The mechanical and tribological properties of GO/UHMWPE nanocomposites have been evaluated after irradiation and accelerated aging. The results indicated that the incorporation of GO could enhance the mechanical, wear, and antiscratch properties of UHMWPE. After irradiation, these properties could be further enhanced, compared to unirradiated ones. After accelerated aging, however, these properties have been significantly reduced when compared to unirradiated ones. Moreover, GO and irradiation can synergistically enhance these properties.

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

“…This can be attributed to the anchoring of the UHMWPE chains by GNPs preventing them from sliding over each other. Similar observation was noted in previous references when UHMWPE was reinforced with GO and CNTs .…”

“…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. For example, Huang et al .…”

“…For example, Huang et al . evaluated the tribological properties of UHMWPE/GO using scratch test. Although wear depth decreased slightly with the addition of GO, friction increased.…”

Research into the thermal stability and mechanical properties of vitamin E diffusion modified irradiation cross-linked graphene oxide/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites

“…Characterization of GO and the GO/UHMWPE composites was carried out as detailed in our preliminary study. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Aer that, some samples and VE solution were placed in beakers, and the beakers were placed in a drying oven to soak at 120 C for 24 h. Aer reaching the specied time, the samples were removed from solution and put in a drying oven at 120 C for 24 h for homogenization treatment, followed by cooling down and wiping off the excess VE.…”

Effect of reduced graphene oxide amount on the tribological properties of UHMWPE biocomposites under water-lubricated conditions

“…It could be seen that after adding the content of RGO into UHMWPE matrix, the friction coefficient of biocomposites decreased significantly. Both RGO and distilled water displayed lubricant properties because of homogeneous dispersion of RGO in the UHMWPE matrix and good interaction of filler and polymer matrix according to XRD, EDS and FTIR analysis results [15,24]. Figure 4 showed the effects of different amount of RGO on the worn surface of biocomposites.…”