Tribo-material based on a UHMWPE/RGOC biocomposite for using in artificial joints


MİNDİVAN F., Çolak A.

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol.138, no.31, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 138 Issue: 31
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/app.50768
  • Journal Name: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: biomaterials, graphene and fullerenes, mechanical properties, nanotubes, structure-property relationships, thermogravimetric analysis
  • Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Reduced graphene oxide (RGOC) filler that was green synthesized by vitamin C had been included in the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix to produce biocomposite possessing improved properties especially against wear. The biocomposites filled with different loading (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 2.0 wt%) of RGOC was produced by a method of liquid phase ultrasonic mixing and then hot press molding. The structural analysis results of biocomposites showed that RGOC well-dispersed in polymer matrix and confirmed that there was interaction between the RGOC-UHMWPE. The biocomposite containing 2.0 wt% RGOC (UHMWPE/RGOC-2) gave the maximum microhardness and the value increased by 22. 5% compared with unfilled polymer. At the same RGOC content, the biocomposite had the highest thermal stability with residue content at 2.42%. The wear and friction behavior of biocomposites were carried out in a reciprocating friction testing machine under distilled water lubricating conditions. The UHMWPE/RGOC-2 biocomposite had the lowest friction coefficient value (0.034) and the wear rate of the biocomposite decreased by 44%, compared with that of unfilled UHMWPE. Furthermore, fatigue wear tracks were significantly reduced. This study suggests the use of this composite that had excellent tribological behavior as biomaterial instead of UHMWPE.