Effect of mixing process on the wear properties of UHMWPE/kaolin composite

Abstract

In this study the wear behavior of ultra high molecular polyethylene (UHMWPE) filled with kaolin particles by different methods was investigated. UHMWPE/kaolin composites were prepared by two different methods: polymerization-filling and powder mixing. Particularly in a powder mixing method, particle dispersion and wear property according to powder mixing method were examined. It was found from wear test that filling of inorganic filler into UHMWPE by polymerization filling was more effective way than by powder mixing method in improving wear resistance of UHMWPE. It was also confirmed that abrasive wear was dominant wear mechanism and particle dispersion in the composite as well as interface property was an important factor in controlling the wear behavior of the resulting composites.