Comparative Analysis of Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Extrudable Polymer–Polymer UHMWPE Composites Fabricated by 3D Printing and Hot-Pressing Methods

Abstract—A comparative analysis of the structural, tribological, and mechanical properties of polymer–polymer composites with the optimized composition UHMWPE + 15 wt % HDPE-g-SMA + 15 wt % PP, obtained by FDM (fused deposition modeling) and compressive sintering (hot-pressing) methods has been performed. It is shown that the tribomechanical characteristics (wear resistance, friction coefficient, elasticity modulus, yield limit, strength, elongation at break) of 3D-printed extrudable polymer–polymer UHMWPE composites exceed those of hot-pressed composites due to a more homogeneous supramolecular structure with enlarged crystallinity. Tribotests of extrudable UHMWPE composites in different friction modes (PV) demonstrates their applicability in joints operating in a wide range of loads and sliding rates.