Development of Composite Materials Based on Ultrahigh-Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Thermally Expanded Graphite

Abstract

In connection with the huge range of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) grades, the choice of a particular brand is a difficult task. Rational choice of the polymer matrix is a necessary condition for the increase in reliability and service life of products, and consequently, for the efficiency of using these composite materials. The given article presents the results of tests on stress-strain properties of GUR-2122, 4113, 4120, 4130, 4150, 4170 and GHR-8020 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene grades. GUR-4150 UHMWPE is chosen as the polymer matrix on the base of the test results. It is shown that the friction coefficient of the polymer composite material is reduced even with the modification of UHMWPE with nanodispersed thermally expanded graphite (TEG) in amount of 0.001-0.5 mass%. It is established that the rate of mass wear decreases by 3-4.3 while maintaining the stress-strain properties of the composites at the level of the initial UHMWPE. Polymer composite materials with an improved set of performance indicators are developed.