Achieving Good Protection on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polythene by In Situ Growth of Amorphous Carbon Film

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polythene (UHMWPE), with outstanding characteristics, is widely applied in modern industry, while it is also severely limited by its inherent shortcomings, which include low hardness, poor wear resistance, and easy wear. Implementation of feasible protection on ultra-high molecular weight polythene to overcome its shortcomings would be of significance. In the present study, amorphous carbon (a-C) film was fabricated on ultra-high molecular weight polythene (UHMWPE) to provide good protection, and the relevant growth mechanism of a-C film was revealed by controlling carbon plasma currents. The results showed the in situ transition layer, in the form of chemical bonds, was formed between the UHMWPE substrate and the a-C film with the introduction of carbon plasma, which provided strong adhesion, and then the a-C film continued epitaxial growth on the in situ transition layer with the treatment of carbon plasma. This in situ growth of a-C film, including the in situ transition layer and the epitaxial growth layer, significantly improved the wetting properties, mechanical properties, and tribological properties of UHMWPE. In particular, good protection by in situ growth a-C film on UHMWPE was achieved during sliding wear.