Influence of Diabase Filler on the Structure and Tribological Properties of Coatings Based on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene

This article presents the results of a study of a composite coating made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a diabase filler obtained by flame spraying. Diabase of 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.% and 40 wt.% was chosen as a filler. The polymer coating was applied to the St3 metal substrate using temperature control in a conventional flame spraying process. The coating was studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, infrared spectroscopy, abrasive wear resistance, microhardness testing and determination of the friction coefficient. It has been shown that diabases do not have a negative effect on the initial chemical structure of UHMWPE and it is not subjected to destruction during flame spraying. The introduction of diabase into the composition of UHMWPE with a content of 10–40% of the total mass does not adversely affect the crystalline structure of the coating. It has been established that with an increase in the volume of the diabase filler, the wear resistance of the composite coating based on UHMWPE increases. It has been determined that with the addition of diabase, the microhardness of the coatings increases.