LINEAR LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE NANOCOMPOSITE FIBERS AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

The linear low density polyethylene nanocomposite fibers are formed from a linear low density polyethylene matrix having carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The addition of the carbon nanotubes enhances the overall toughness of the material, resulting in increases over conventional linear low density polyethylene in the material's tensile strength, elasticity and ductility. The carbon nanotubes constitute between about 0.08% and 1.0% by weight of the linear low density polyethylene nanocomposite fiber. Optimal toughness is found at about 0.3 wt %. The linear low density polyethylene nanocomposite fibers are made by first melting a quantity of linear low density polyethylene, and then blending a quantity of carbon nanotubes into the melted linear low density polyethylene to form a mixture, The mixture is then extruded to form the linear low density polyethylene nanocomposite fibers, which are then spun in a spinneret die to produce the finished linear low density polyethylene nanocomposite fibers.