Wear resistance of graphene reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites prepared by octa-screw extrusion process

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is one of the well-established bio-materials for artificial prostheses. In order to improve its wear resistance, graphene incorporated UHMWPE nanocomposites are synthesized by octa-screw extrusion process. The exceptional compounding ability of the process is confirmed by uniform graphene dispersion in the matrix. An 18% improvement in yield strength, superior anti-wear property, 67% increase in crystallinity, and 4% increase in the decomposition temperature as compared to pure UHMWPE is measured. The nanocomposites are also more hydrophilic and show absence of cytotoxicity. The UHMWPE/ graphene nanocomposites prepared by octa-screw extrusion are a potential candidate for joint replacement applications.

Automated summary

UHMWPE/graphene nanocomposites synthesized by octa-screw extrusion exhibit significant improvements in strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability compared to pure UHMWPE, as well as increased hydrophilicity and absence of cytotoxicity, making them a potential candidate for joint replacement applications.