The effect of a rapidly quenched Al-Co alloy on the thermophysical characteristics of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

This paper examines the effect of dispersed (50–100 μm) rapidly quenched Al-Co on the thermophysical characteristics of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. It was established that the addition of an alloy in the amount of 15–20 wt.% to ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene leads to a decrease in the specific heat capacity by almost 20%, with a simultaneous increase in thermal conductivity by 1/7 times. This occurs with the introduction of the Al-Co, which leads to the ordering of the supramolecular structure of the polymer due to the reduction of the influence of the amorphous phase. A polymer composite with an effective Al-Co alloy content of 25 wt.% can be recommended for use in tribological joints of high-performance equipment, where the ability to remove heat from the friction zone effectively is important.