The influence of structure of carbon nanofibers on their interaction with polyethylene matrix

Abstract

The development of methods for purposeful modification of the polyethylene matrix with carbon nanostructures to create stronger and more durable pipe composites is an important direction in polymer science. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) of three types, obtained via catalytic chemical vapor deposition of ethylene (Type I), trichloroethylene (Type II), and a mixture of ethylene and acetonitrile (Type III), were applied as modifying additives to improve the physical and mechanical characteristics of polyethylene. The polyethylene/CNF composites were prepared using a laboratory plasticizer. The introduction of CNFs (Type I) with a densely packed structure into the polymer matrix was found to provide the formation of a uniform fine-spherulitic structure that results in increased tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, and abrasive wear. Such a positive effect is observed when the CNF content in the composite does not exceed 1.0 wt%. An increase in the abrasion resistance by a factor of 1.6 was observed.