Tribological Testing Programs for Uhmwpe Matrix Composites

Abstract

This paper aims to review the knowledge on materials and tribology of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites. The various mechanisms proposed for the wear behaviour of UHMWPE are closely associated with its structural characteristics. UHMWPE has a very high wear resistance, good abrasive wear resistance, but relatively low processing temperature range. The UHMWPE was improved by adding different reinforcements, fillers or by mixtures materials in order to improve and to enlarge the field of applicability. Test conditions are differing, depending on requirements of the actual application, specialists trying to get an acceptable compromise between having close similarity to actual functioning regimes and the need of simple shapes and small dimensions as required by advanced investigation equipments