Influence of molecular weight of modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene with Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehydeethylenediamine on wear-resistant materials

Reciprocating friction and wear performances of pure ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) with molecular weights (MWs) of 2, 3, 5, and 9 million and their modified UHMWPEs with 15 wt.% Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehyde-ethylenediamine (add1) against titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) were investigated under boundary lubrication with 25 vol.% calf serum deionized water solution. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of purchased UHMWPE powders was performed. The enthalpy changed with an increase in MW. UH300 had the lowest temperature of an extrapolated peak and the best peak symmetry in DSC analysis. The friction coefficient curves of molded pure and modified UHMWPEs/Ti6Al4V were compared, and the volume loss by the wear of polymers was measured. 3D topographies of the worn surfaces of polymers and images of the worn surfaces of polymers and titanium alloy against polymers were analyzed by confocal white light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Results showed that the influence of MW of UHMWPE was obvious on the friction and wear characteristics of pure UHMWPEs and 15% add1 UHMWPEs. An MW of 3 million was the best to reduce the friction of rubbing pairs, enhance the wear resistance of pure UHMWPEs and 15% add1-UHMWPEs, and improve the mating properties of Ti6Al4V.