Tribological behaviour of nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE in water-lubricated contacts

In this study, the tribological behaviour of nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE composites was investigated in water-lubricated sliding contacts. A significant reduction of 72% in wear and 24% in friction of UHMWPE was observed with incorporation of 1 wt% nanodiamond in the polymer matrix. Various bulk and surface characterization techniques were utilised to reveal the main mechanisms involved in the friction and wear response of the polymeric materials. The improved tribological behaviour of UHMWPE upon incorporation of various loadings of nanodiamond in the polymer matrix was mainly attributed to the boundary lubricating action of nanodiamonds and the polishing effect of the nanodiamond reinforced UHMWPE composites on the counter surfaces in water-lubricated sliding contacts.