Tribological and mechanical behaviors of Fe₃O₄NPs reinforced UHMWPE biocomposite

Abstract

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filled with diverse contents of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were produced via hot compression molding. The effect of Fe3O4NPs on the tribological and mechanical properties of the UHMWPE matrix was studied. Wear and friction behaviors were studied using a reciprocating pin-on-disc tribometer under a sliding speed of 0.03 m.s−1 and an applied normal load of 20N. Mechanical behavior was investigated using tensile and hardness tests. SEM technique was used to explore the surface morphology and to investigate wear mechanisms. Results showed that reinforcement with Fe3O4NPs improved UHMWPE matrix hardness and wear resistance. A maximum hardness and wear resistance in addition to a good mechanical behavior in traction were obtained when adding 1 wt% of magnetite nanofiller. Reinforcement increased the coefficient of friction but there is no obvious correlation between nanofiller contents and friction. SEM analysis showed that the reinforcing rate of UHMWPE influences wear mechanisms.