Assessment of potential of nano and micro-sized boron carbide particles to enhance the abrasive wear resistance of UHMWPE

Two series of UHMWPE composites were developed using boron carbide (B4C) particles in different amounts and sizes. Micro-series contained micro B4C particles (2-5 μm) in various wt% (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) while nano-series contained nano-particles (NPs) of size 70-90 nm in 0, 2 and 3%. Abrasive wear studies against silicon carbide (SiC) paper in a single pass condition were conducted under varying loads and speeds. Inclusion of B4C particles proved beneficial to enhance the wear resistance and optimum amounts of filler for micro and nano-series were ≈ 6-8% and 3% respectively. Scratch hardness showed fairly good linearity with the wear resistance. SEM studies confirmed that inclusion of hard fillers mainly reduced the severity of micro-cutting mechanism and hence wear.