Abstract: Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW) was modified with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and the effect of PFPE content on the mechanic properties, friction and wear properties of PEUHMW was studied. The thermal properties of the composites were analyzed by thermo gravimetric analyzer (TG) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). At the same time, the worn surfaces of the composites were observed on a scanning electron microscope. It was found that when the content of PFPE was fixed at 3 %, its friction coefficient and bulk worn loss decreased by 20.8 and 59.4 %, respectively. PFPE had little effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The wear mechanisms of unmodified PE-UHMW were adhesive wear and plastic deformation, those of modified PE-UHMW were fatigue and plastic deformation.

Key words: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, perfluoropolyether, composite, property