Investigation of the mechanical and thermal stability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by using amide-multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a reinforcement material

Abstract

In this research, an investigation of the thermal and mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with pristine and modified multi- walled carbon nanotubes (Amide-MWCNTs)-MWCNTs nanocomposite was conducted. The nanocomposites were prepared by ultra-sonication mixing and hot press moulding methods. The MWCNTs surface was functionalised with amide group. The prepared nanocomposites were characterised based on structure, thermal, and mechanical properties by x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and universal testing machine, respectively. The crystallinity, crystal size, space between atomic lattice and lattice constant were calculated from the XRD patterns. Results showed the decrease in UHMWPE crystallinity without affecting the crystal structure of UHMWPE when adding pristine MWCNTs and Amide-MWCNTs (1−5 wt%). Tensile test results showed an increase in the composites stiffness for all percentages in the range of 19%–65%, while the elongation at break for the 3 wt% Amide-MWCNT nanocomposite increased up to 71%. This indicates that the interfacial adhesion was enhanced by the amide group.