Mechanistic Study And Characterization Of Cold Sprayed Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene-Nano Ceramic Composite Coating

The cold spray deposition of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder mixed with nano alumina, fumed nano alumina and fumed nano silica was attempted on two different substrates namely polypropylene (PP) and aluminum (Al). Approximately 4mm and 1mm thick coating were observed on Al and PP substrates respectively with UHMWPE and fumed nano alumina mixture. The nano ceramic particles played an important role as a bridge bond between the particles. The coatings with nano alumina, fumed nano alumina and fumed nano silica were very contrasting in terms of coating thickness. Gas temperature and pressure played an important role in the deposition. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results of the coatings showed that UHMWPE was melt crystallized after the coating. The substrate properties also affected the deposition mechanism greatly.