High Density Polyethylene Composites Containing Alumina-Toughened Zirconia Particles: Mechanical and Tribological Behavior

Alumina-toughened Zirconia (ATZ) was used as filler to endow High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with enhanced mechanical and wear properties, hence widening the application field of the polyolefin as biomaterial. Composites at different ATZ loadings were produced by melt extrusion followed by compression molding. A good filler dispersion was obtained for all the materials, despite the presence of few voids and agglomerates observed at high ATZ loadings. The combination of high crystallinity and, mainly, lack of voids and agglomerates, appeared responsible for the improvement of Young modulus and mechanical strength. Besides, the filler positively affected the wear resistance of the composites under lubricated conditions.