Synergistic Enhancement of Mechanical, Tribological, and Thermal Properties of UHMWPE Nanocomposites Through Hybrid MXene (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Reinforcement: An Experimental Investigation

Author(s): Pranav Ghangi, Virendra Singh

Affiliation: Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur

Page No: 77-83

Volume, Issue & Publishing Year: Volume 3, Issue 7, July 2026

Journal: International Journal of Advanced Engineering Application (IJAEA)

ISSN NO: 3048-6807

Abstract:
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) occupies a unique position in engineering polymer science by virtue of its exceptional abrasion resistance, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility, yet its thermal conductivity (0.40–0.44 W/m·K) and moderate tensile strength (25–35 MPa) constrain its deployment in thermally demanding tribological applications such as orthopaedic bearing surfaces, industrial seal components, and high-load conveyor liners. This study presents a systematic experimental investigation of eight nanocomposite formulations incorporating two-dimensional MXene nanosheets (Ti₃C₂Tₓ, 1–5 wt%), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN, 5–10 wt%), and dual hybrid combinations (MX3-BN5 and MX5-BN5), processed via bath sonication and dual-step ball-milling routes followed by uniaxial hot compression moulding at 180°C. Characterisation encompasses X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM-EDX) for microstructural evaluation; uniaxial tensile testing, Shore D hardness, and pin-on-disc tribometry for mechanical and wear performance; laser flash diffusivity for thermal conductivity; and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability. The MX3-BN5 hybrid achieves the optimal property balance: tensile strength 42.3 MPa (+49% vs. control), thermal conductivity 1.31 W/m·K (+220%), wear rate 3.21 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m (−63%), and friction coefficient 0.16 (−33%), with TGA onset temperature elevated to 374°C. XRD confirms intercalation-driven d-spacing expansion of the MXene (002) plane from 13.24 Å to 13.51 Å, and FESEM-EDX reveals uniform nanofiller dispersion with strong interfacial adhesion in the hybrid formulation. These results establish MXene–h-BN hybrid UHMWPE nanocomposites as high-performance candidates for next-generation orthopaedic implant bearing surfaces and industrial tribological components.

Keywords: UHMWPE, MXene, Ti₃C₂Tₓ, hexagonal boron nitride, nanocomposite, tribology, thermal conductivity, wear resistance, hot compression moulding, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM

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