*Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
**Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Online published on 1 June, 2016.
In this present work, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites reinforced individually and combined with different loadings of Al2O3 (900 grit) and PEEK particles were prepared using hot compression molding. The effects of Al2O3 and PEEK particles on the mechanical properties of the UHMWPE composites were studied as per ASTM standards. The results revealed that the addition of Al2O3 and PEEK to the UHMWPE matrix reduced tensile strength and elongation at break, whereas the Young's modulus of the composites was increased. The composites reinforced with 3vol. % Al2O3 and 9vol. % PEEK had better flexural properties and greater impact strength when compared to other composites reinforced with different volume percentages of Al2O3 and PEEK. The hardness of the UHMWPE composites was proportionately increased with the increase of filler content. The morphologies of the fracture surface of the Al2O3/PEEK/UHMWPE composites were analyzed by means of field emission scanning electron microscope. The results indicated poor interfacial bonding between Al2O3/PEEK and UHMWPE.
Hybrid polymer composites, UHMWPE, Al2O3, PEEK, Mechanical properties
