The effect of polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/carboxymethyl cellulose blends

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, it is aimed to produce biocompatible polymer blends by using ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a matrix and a cellulose‐based polymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as filler at different concentrations. Polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) was used as compatibilizer in order to ensure effective distribution of hydrophilic cellulose particles in hydrophobic UHMWPE matrix and its effect on blends was investigated. The UHMWPE/CMC blends were fabricated by sintering of two powder materials and effects of different sintering conditions such as sintering temperature and time were examined on the morphological and surface properties of blends. The hardness, air permeability, contact angle variations on the blend surfaces were investigated. 150°C–30 min sintering condition was determined as optimum sintering time and temperature to prepare the blends having adequate hardness with high‐air permeability properties. It was found that with the increase of CMC content in the blends the hardness, air permeability and contact angle values were decreased. The addition of PE‐g‐MA caused an increment for blends prepared at 150°C–30 min conditions having high‐air permeability.