Thermal imaging approach towards analyzing tribological response of UHMWPE-based hybrid nanocomposites

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a material used as joint replacement material. Rise in temperature is an inconsequential phenomenon due to the wearing joint and it is a concern that defines the performance and the wear phenomena. Current work is focused on understanding the influence of sudden increase in load and speed on wear behavior of UHMWPE composites by analyzing the temperature rise profile. A unique approach towards temperature generated at interface of sample and counterface (stainless steel 316-L and Zirconia) during the wear test on UHMWPE is analyzed at different load and speed conditions using thermal analyzer. Hardness and morphology characterizations were conducted on UHMWPE nanocomposites to observe the resistance to plastic deformation. Graphene-2D and Nanodiamond-0D were chosen as reinforcements. The temperature generated during load varying (20–80 N) and speed varying (1–1.67 m/s) conditions over 10 km. Wear studies on test samples revealed that wear volume of UHMWPE hybrid was reduced by 36 and 33% against 316-L and Zirconia discs because of greater inter-bonding. Gr had strongly influenced temperature profile because of high thermal conductivity. Surface morphology and topography of worn surfaces have been studied to understand the wear behavior. It is concluded that hybrid UHMWPE composite have superior wear performances at high loads and speeds. Correlating the results with thermal behavior would be a novel research in a relevant field.

Graphical Abstract