Structure, as well as the Tribological and Mechanical Properties, of Extrudable Polymer-Polymeriс UHMWPE Composites for 3D Printing

Abstract

In order to develop dispensable materials for additive manufacturing technologies, the structural and functional analysis of antifrictional polymer-polymer blends based on ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are performed. The problem of the optimal selection of polymer plasticizers from the commercially available thermoplastic is solved in order to improve the extrudability of UHMWPE. It is shown that the effective plasticizing filler for UHMWPE from the standpoint of maintaining its tribological and mechanical characteristics and providing the required melt flow index is a double mixture of 10 wt % HDPE-g-SMA + 10 wt % PP. Using the developed materials will make it possible to manufacture parts of a complex shape for tribojoints, including endoprostheses, by the 3D printing method.