Scholarlink

<p>Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a key material for marine applications owing to its outstanding self-lubrication and corrosion resistance. However, its long-term performance is compromised by plastic deformation in seawater. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the UHMWPE dynamics under seawater and water conditions to investigate the plastic deformation of UHMWPE induced by seawater. The results show that the plastic deformation of UHMWPE is amplified in seawater relative to the water conditions. Under thin fluid conditions, frictional interfaces exhibit a higher interfacial friction force and interaction energy in seawater than in water. Compared to freely diffused water molecules, hydrated ions occupy larger interchain spaces within polyethylene. Furthermore, the diffusion of hydrated ions weakens the interchain interactions, promoting more severe polyethylene chain rearrangement and accelerating seawater-induced plastic deformation in UHMWPE during friction. Furthermore, the diffused seawater accelerated the disentangling of the polyethylene chains and enhanced the orderly orientation distribution of polyethylene. Compared to free water molecules, the water molecules of hydrated ions exhibit enhanced attraction to free-flowing water molecules, thereby accelerating seawater flow across submerged UHMWPE surfaces. This flow enhancement promotes surface polyethylene chain mobility in seawater.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Molecular Investigations on the Diffusion of Hydrated Ions and Its Effects on the Plastic Deformation of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene at Seawater Condition

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月4日

查看全文
  • Qi-Hao Cheng,
  • Ting Zheng,
  • Gang Yang,
  • Hui-Chen Zhang

摘要

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a key material for marine applications owing to its outstanding self-lubrication and corrosion resistance. However, its long-term performance is compromised by plastic deformation in seawater. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the UHMWPE dynamics under seawater and water conditions to investigate the plastic deformation of UHMWPE induced by seawater. The results show that the plastic deformation of UHMWPE is amplified in seawater relative to the water conditions. Under thin fluid conditions, frictional interfaces exhibit a higher interfacial friction force and interaction energy in seawater than in water. Compared to freely diffused water molecules, hydrated ions occupy larger interchain spaces within polyethylene. Furthermore, the diffusion of hydrated ions weakens the interchain interactions, promoting more severe polyethylene chain rearrangement and accelerating seawater-induced plastic deformation in UHMWPE during friction. Furthermore, the diffused seawater accelerated the disentangling of the polyethylene chains and enhanced the orderly orientation distribution of polyethylene. Compared to free water molecules, the water molecules of hydrated ions exhibit enhanced attraction to free-flowing water molecules, thereby accelerating seawater flow across submerged UHMWPE surfaces. This flow enhancement promotes surface polyethylene chain mobility in seawater.