Changes to the morphology, structure and properties as a consequence of polyethylene working in a polymer–metal kinematic pair

A change is presented of the orientation of lamellar structure, degree of crystallinity, the degree of the spatial arrangement of the structure, micromechanical properties, and the surface morphology and thickness of a plastically deformed upper layer. These changes are the effect of work in a polymer–metal kinematic pair, which have occurred as a result of plastic deformation of polyethylene during its service. It has been shown that, as a result of selecting proper parameters of UHMW polyethylene via the initial draft and electron-beam irradiation, such a structure of the polymer can be obtained, which will enable the above-mentioned changes in morphology and structure to take place during service. This in turn, will allow a reduction of the susceptibility of the polymer to permanent deformation by 3–6 times, and its wear by more than 5 times, compared to the initial material.