Study on the tribological properties of UHMWPE modified by UV-induced grafting under seawater lubrication

Abstract

UHMWPE-g-AA samples are prepared by ultraviolet-light-induced surface grafting. Ball-on-disk tribology experiments were used to study the tribological properties of the UHMWPE-g-AA samples in seawater. The results show that the PAA lubricating brush layer and its adsorption of free ions in seawater increase the thickness of the colloidal lubricating film, which significantly improves the fluid medium at the friction surface/interface. The lubricating layer produced by the hydrophilic PAA on the surface improves the plasticizing effect of the friction surface and the deformation ability of the molecular chain when it is subjected to shearing. During friction and wear, both the friction coefficient and amount of wear of the friction pair are reduced.