Fabrication of self-lubricating porous UHMWPE with excellent mechanical properties and friction performance via rotary sintering

Abstract

Porous ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) self-lubricating materials were designed and fabricated by a rotary sintering method, and the microstructure and properties were evaluated. Results showed that the rotary molding could not only significantly improve the molding efficiency but also formed uniform internal microstructures with high porosity, excellent mechanical properties, and low friction coefficient. Under oil lubricating conditions, the friction curve of samples quickly reached a steady state, the friction coefficient was reduced by 50%, and the repeat utilization was up to 99%. The following optimum sintering conditions were shown: Sintering temperature of 180 °C or 190 °C, sintering time determined as 10 min, and loading capacity of between 3.6 g and 3.8 g. Therefore, it is expected that this work will open a convenient and compatible strategy for fabricating porous materials with good self-lubricating performance.