Tribological behaviour of nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE in water-lubricated contacts

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 110; pp. 195 - 200
• Main Authors: Golchin, Arash, Villain, Alexis, Emami, Nazanin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Diamonds; Electric contacts; Friction; Lubricants & lubrication; Lubrication; Machine Elements; Maskinelement; Nanodiamond; Nanostructure; Polymer matrix composites; Polymers; Sliding; Studies; Surface properties; Tribology; UHMWPE; Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; Wear; Wear mechanisms; Wear resistance; Nanodiamond; UHMWPE; Friction; Wear
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2017.01.016

In this study, the tribological behaviour of nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE composites was investigated in water-lubricated sliding contacts. A significant reduction of 72% in wear and 24% in friction of UHMWPE was observed with incorporation of 1wt% nanodiamond in the polymer matrix. Various bulk and surface characterization techniques were utilised to reveal the main mechanisms involved in the friction and wear response of the polymeric materials. The improved tribological behaviour of UHMWPE upon incorporation of various loadings of nanodiamond in the polymer matrix was mainly attributed to the boundary lubricating action of nanodiamonds and the polishing effect of the nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE composites on the counter surfaces in water-lubricated sliding contacts. •Tribological response of UHMWPE investigated with addition of various loadings of ND.•72% reduction in wear and 24% in friction of UHMWPE with incorporation of 1wt% ND.•Various bulk and surface characterizations utilised to reveal the mechanisms involved.•Enhanced tribological behaviour attributed to polishing and lubricating effect of ND.