This study systematically investigates a novel two-step approach to enhance the tribological performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by combining biaxial stretching with a subsequent hot pressing treatment. The significance of this work lies in developing a continuous, high-efficiency process that allows for decoupled control of bulk mechanical properties and surface tribological characteristics. The material’s evolution was comprehensively characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, and a Taber Abraser. Results show that biaxial stretching significantly enhanced the film’s bulk mechanical strength and thermal stability, creating a wider processing window for subsequent surface treatment. A subsequent hot pressing step was then applied to refine the surface characteristics, yielding an optimal wear rate of 0.002 g/1000 cycles and a kinetic coefficient of friction (µk) of 0.106. Achieving such a concurrent optimization of high wear resistance and low friction is crucial in materials processing. The study demonstrates that the synergistic effect of biaxial orientation and hot pressing-induced crystal perfection provides a powerful and previously unreported pathway to achieving a superior balance of low wear and low friction in UHMWPE.
Gu et al. (Sat,) studied this question.