Effect of Solid-State Preparation on the Morphology and Properties of PEG-Modified UHMWPE

In this study, two solid-state preparations were proposed for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) modified by the polyethylene glycol (PEG). Some samples were grinding in a high-energy mill and the other in a ceramic jar mill (CJM). The objective of this work is to investigate the lubricating effect of PEG on UHMWPE through mechanical milling to evaluate the homogenization and properties of the resulting material. The mixtures in the CJM presented a more uniform morphology. These compositions showed increases in crystallinity greater than 22%, attributed to the molecular mobility caused by the lubricating effect of PEG. Besides, it exhibited positive thermodynamic parameters, indicating that the path to decomposition was non-spontaneous and unfavorable, and greater thermal stability than UHMWPE. Furthermore, the compositions prepared using CJM were more crystalline, tougher, more fracture resistant, and had higher deformation to failure than UHMWPE. Therefore, CJM serving as a method alternative to melting the UHMWPE together with PEG in the solid-state with improvements in mechanical and thermal properties at an excellent cost-benefit ratio.