Nanotribological behavior of graphene nanoplatelet reinforced ultra high molecular weight polyethylene composites

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 70; pp. 165 - 169
• Main Authors: Lahiri, Debrupa, Hec, Francois, Thiesse, Mikael, Durygin, Andriy, Zhang, Cheng, Agarwal, Arvind
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2014
• Subjects: Coefficient of friction; Composite structures; Graphene; Lubrication; Molecular weight; Nanostructure; Polyethylenes; Scratch resistance; Tribology; Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene; Wear resistance; Coefficient of friction; Graphene; Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene; Scratch resistance
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2013.10.012

Nano-scratch behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) in varying composition of 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1wt% is reported. Hot pressed composite structures are characterized for their tribological behavior in scratch mode using a normal load of 100–300μN. Increasing GNP content from 0.1 to 1wt% results in lowering of the coefficient of friction due to easy shear of graphene nanoplatelets. Graphene reinforcement also increases the wear resistance by more than four times, which is a combined effect of lubrication as well as toughening offered by GNPs. •Graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced UHMWPE composites are synthesized by hot compression.•Graphene reinforcement dominates tribological behavior of composite at nano-scale.•Interlayer sliding of graphene reduces coefficient of friction with GNP content.•GNP reinforcement also increases the wear resistance of the composite structure.