Influence of nano-sized metal oxides and mercaptobenzthiazole on the properties and structure of ultra-high molecular polyethylene

In this paper presents the results of a study of the influence of combined fillers (2-mercaptobenzthiazole (MBT) and nano-sized oxides: ZrO2, WO3, ZnO and CuO) on the structural, thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Composites based on UHMWPE with binary fillers were obtained by hot pressing. A study of the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials showed an increase in tensile strength and elongation at break by 43-50 % and 26-27 % compared to the initial UHMWPE. The compressive stress and Shore D hardness of the composites increased by 41 % and 11-15 %. Microscopic studies of composites showed the formation of spherulite formations in the supramolecular structure, and the density increases in all samples with the introduction of fillers. Thermodynamic studies have shown that the enthalpy of melting and the degree of crystallinity for composites of the composition UHMWPE/ MBT/ZrO2 and UHMWPE/MBT/WO3 are higher compared to UHMWPE/MBT/CuO and UHMWPE/ MBT/ZnO. Tribological tests have shown an improvement in the wear resistance of UHMWPE/MBT/ CuO by 4 times compared to the unfilled polymer matrix while maintaining a low coefficient of friction. A study of the worn surface of composites showed the formation of secondary structures that reduce fatigue and abrasive wear, which explains the increase in wear resistance. The developed composites based on UHMWPE filled with MBT and nanooxides can find application in technology and various equipment due to their improved properties.