Two-Layer Rubber-Based Composite Material and UHMWPE with High Wear Resistance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a versatile polymer with excellent properties.
• Isoprene rubber (IR) is a common elastomer used in various applications.
• Improving the interfacial adhesion between polymers and elastomers is crucial for developing advanced composite materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop two-layer materials combining UHMWPE and IR.
• To investigate the effect of vulcanization accelerators (MBT, DPG, TMTD) on UHMWPE properties and UHMWPE-IR adhesion.
• To analyze the interfacial structure of the developed two-layer materials.

Main Methods:

• Modification of UHMWPE with vulcanization accelerators (2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), diphenylguanidine (DPG), and tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD)).
• Fabrication of two-layer UHMWPE/IR materials.
• Mechanical testing to evaluate tensile strength, elongation at fracture, and wear resistance.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for interfacial analysis.

Main Results:

• UHMWPE modification with accelerators increased tensile strength by 28-53%, relative elongation at fracture by 7-23%, and wear resistance threefold.
• Vulcanization accelerators enhanced the adhesion between UHMWPE and IR.
• SEM and FTIR analysis revealed UHMWPE fibrils at the interface, indicating strong mechanical adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Vulcanization accelerators are effective in enhancing the mechanical properties and wear resistance of UHMWPE.
• The use of these accelerators promotes strong interfacial adhesion in UHMWPE/IR two-layer materials.
• The developed materials exhibit improved performance due to enhanced polymer-polymer interaction and fibril formation at the interface.