PROPERTIES OF NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON POLYETHYLENE (UHMWPE) AND CARBON NANOTUBES MIXED BY HIGH-ENERGY BALL MILLING AND UV-SOURCE IRRADIATED

摘要

Nanocomposites, based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs, 0.5 wt.%) were incorporated by solid-state dry mixing and then UV light irradiated. During these treatments, functional chemical groups were induced in both the components. Physical and mechanical tests were performed on the pristine UHMWPE as well as on the nanocomposite to evaluate their features. Experimental results highlighted that the nanocomposite exhibits higher viscosity, wear resistance, and conductivity than the pristine UHMWPE and the non-UV-irradiated nanocomposite. This suggested that the two functionalized components (CNTs and UHMWPE) interact.