Tribological and Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE/HDPE Composites

The influence of reinforcing UHMWPE powder on the tribological and mechanical properties of HDPE was investigated. The circularizing of UHMWPE powder was improved by high-speed rotation to enhance particle distribution and flowability. HDPE composites reinforced with UHMWPE powder in the range of 0-50 wt% were prepared by co-rotating twin screw extrusion. The abrasion resistance, plane friction coefficient, tensile strengths, and impact strengths of the composites were investigated as a function of the UHMWPE content. An increasing UHMWPE content decreased the plane friction coefficient and increased the abrasion resistance and impact strength. It is expected that HDPE composites reinforced with spherical UHMWPE powder particles can be used to improve the durability of products such as pipes in the future.