Preparation and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blends

The blends of thermoplastic polyurethane and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared by a co‐twin screw extruder. Phase separation morphology of the blends was confirmed by the SEM observations. The incorporation of UHMWPE is detrimental to the mechanical properties of the blends prepared from stiffer TPU, whereas is beneficial to that of TPU with low hardness. The tribological behaviors of neat TPU and its blends were studied by the means of a block‐on‐ring apparatus. It was found that UHMWPE could greatly improve the tribological properties of TPU matrix both under dry sliding and water lubricating conditions due to the excellent self‐lubricating property of the UHMWPE materials and furthermore improve the wear failure limit of TPU. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:897–906, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers