Wear resistance and wear mechanisms in polymer + metal composites

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2010 Dec;10(12):8254-9. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2010.3026.

Abstract

We have investigated composites containing metallic micro-size and nano-sized particles as the 10 wt% dispersed phase. Branched low density polyethylene (LDPE) was the matrix. Microsized metals were Al, Ag and Ni; nanosized metals were Al and Ag. Several mechanisms of wear are observed in function of the kind and size of metal used: deformation, delamination, abrasion, adhesion and rolls formation. The presence of Ag particles increases the wear rate as compared to neat LDPE. The presence of Al particles lowers the wear of LDPE significantly; nanoparticles are more effective than microparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't