Enhancing the Tribological Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene Using Hard Carbon Microfillers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Tribology

Background:

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is limited to packaging due to poor mechanical and tribological properties.
• Enhancing LDPE's performance is crucial for expanding its application range.
• Carbon spheres (CSs) offer potential for reinforcing polymer matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the mechanical strength, frictional characteristics, and wear resistance of LDPE.
• To investigate the effect of carbon sphere integration on LDPE properties.
• To evaluate the tribological performance of LDPE/CS composites under varying conditions.

Main Methods:

• LDPE/CS composites were fabricated with varying CS concentrations (0.5-8 wt.%).
• Microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties were analyzed using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and mechanical testing.
• Tribological performance was assessed under different surface roughness, load, and speed conditions.

Main Results:

• CSs were successfully integrated into the LDPE matrix without significant microstructural changes.
• Thermal stability and crystallinity increased by ~4% and ~7%, respectively.
• Hardness and Young's modulus improved by up to 4% and 24%.
• Friction and wear were significantly reduced with CS addition, with an 8 wt.% composite showing 75% friction and 78% wear reduction.
• Surface roughness critically influences friction reduction by minimizing contact area and adhesive forces.

Conclusions:

• Integrating carbon spheres effectively enhances the mechanical and tribological properties of LDPE.
• LDPE/CS composites demonstrate significant potential for applications requiring improved strength and wear resistance.
• Optimized composite formulations can lead to substantial reductions in friction and wear, broadening LDPE's utility beyond packaging.