Sliding wear of PP/UHMWPE blends: effect of blend composition

In the present investigation, a wear resistant polymer, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was melt blended with isotactic polypropylene (PP) in different proportions. Sliding wear tests were conducted by using Cameron Plint pin-on-disc apparatus. Polymer samples in the form of the pin were tested against EN-24 steel disc at different pressures and sliding speeds. The wear volume of PP reduces significantly on the addition of UHMWPE. At 0.28 m/s sliding speed, wear rate of PP was 15 x 10(-12) m(3)/m which reduces to 0.28 x 10-12 m(3)/m on addition of 15 wt.% of UHMWPE. At 1.09 m/s sliding speed, PP deforms, while 15 wt.% of UHMWPE sample does not show significant deformation. Wear loss of 15 wt.% UHMWPE filled PP blend significantly low as compared to PP. Reduction in wear loss of UHMWPE filled PP blend has been attributed to the reduction in temperature of contact surface. Worn surface of the test sample showed two distinct morphological regions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.