Properties Of Nanocomposites Research Articles

Comparative analysis of machine learning techniques for predicting wear and friction properties of MWCNT reinforced PMMA nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have received significant scientific and industrial attention due to the synergetic combination of features of a polymeric matrix and organic or inorganic nanofillers. While experiments have been essential for identifying and characterizing new materials, their high costs and limited trials have shifted the focus towards applying machine learning (ML) to predict nanocomposite properties. This study aims to establish a connection with the tribological performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites through the comparison of ML techniques. The wear and friction characteristics of MWCNT-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites were predicted based on three input variables: material weight percentage, load weight, and track diameter. The features of nanocomposites were predicted using three different ensemble ML algorithms: random forest (RF), extra tree (ET), and gradient boosting machine (GBM). The dataset was utilized to train the proposed models in Python, followed by hyperparameter tuning to determine the best model for predicting target values. The results demonstrated that the GBM model outperformed the RF and ET models, with an R-squared of 0.99, RMSE of 0.62, and MAE of 0.18. The proposed models’ predictions of wear values were more precise than their friction values. These findings indicate that ML techniques, particularly the GBM model, can effectively predict the tribological properties of MWCNT-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites, potentially reducing the need for extensive experimental trials and contributing to advancements in nanocomposite material science.

Facile Synthesis of a Crystalline Zinc Sulfide/Chitosan Biopolymer Nanocomposite: Characterization and Application for Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Dyes and Anticancer Activity.

In the present study, we have synthesized a zinc sulfide/chitosan (ZS/CS) nanocomposite by utilizing simple, economical, and environmentally friendly methods. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by different analytical techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, and FTIR to determine the phase structure, morphology, and elemental composition. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the functional groups of the synthesized zinc sulfide (ZS) nanoparticles and ZS/CS composite. Besides, the optical properties of the as-synthesized nanocomposite was analyzed by a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and the estimated band gap energy is ∼3.03 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized ZS/CS nanocomposite was investigated against two textile dyes, Crystal Violet (CV) and Acid Red-I (AR-I), under UV-visible light irradiation. The nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic activity against the dyes, and photodegradation was estimated to be about 93.44 and 90.67% for CV and AR-I, respectively. The nanocomposite was reused for three consecutive cycles. The results revealed that the photocatalyst displayed good reusability during the photocatalytic decomposition and thus is considered a cost-effective and promising photocatalyst in degrading dye pollutants. The kinetic study proved that the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics was followed by the degradation process. We also examined the anticancer activity of ZS and ZS/CS against human breast and myelogenous leukemia cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7 and K-562, and the half minimal inhibitory concentrations were found to be less than 50 μg/mL.

Analyzing Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposite for Brake Pad Applications - A Critical Review

A brake pad is an integral component of a vehicle's braking system, designed to impart controlled friction and, ultimately, assist in slowing or stopping a vehicle. Their constituents include binder, filler, abrasive, lubricant, and reinforcing fiber. Materials for brake pads must have excellent wear resistance, increased heat dissipation, a consistent coefficient of friction, low noise and vibration, durability, compatibility, minimal environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. This paper aims to examine the various materials used in brake pad applications. They are composed of matrix, ceramic, and polymer composites, and are manufactured using various processes. In addition to mechanical and tribological testing, there are various methods for testing the mechanical and tribological properties of brake pads. Various instruments, such as SEM, TEM, AFM, and XRD, were surveyed in order to analyse the morphology and crystal structure of nanoscale brake pads. Various applications such as automobiles, railroads, and aerospace utilise brake pads. The study reveals that integrating nano-fillers into polymer composites significantly enhances the mechanical and tribological properties of automotive brake pads, offering a promising route toward more durable, efficient, and safer braking systems. Through this analysis, researchers will gain a deeper understanding of the materials used in brake pads and their adaptability for various applications.

Electrical Properties of Silver-Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites for High-Voltage Outdoor Insulators

Electrical Properties of Silver-Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites for High-Voltage Outdoor Insulators

Studying The Effect of Gamma Rays on The Impact Strength and Wear Properties of Silicon Carbide SIC and Graphite Gr Nanocomposites

Studying The Effect of Gamma Rays on The Impact Strength and Wear Properties of Silicon Carbide SIC and Graphite Gr Nanocomposites

Microwave absorption properties of spinel-structured magnesium zinc aluminate nanocomposites through Mn doping: characterization and performance analysis of (Mg–Zn)1−xMnxAl2O4 (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2)

Microwave absorption properties of spinel-structured magnesium zinc aluminate nanocomposites through Mn doping: characterization and performance analysis of (Mg–Zn)1−xMnxAl2O4 (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2)

Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Palladium, Copper(I) Oxide, and Magnetite Nanoparticles Embedded in a Nanocellulose Matrix

Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Palladium, Copper(I) Oxide, and Magnetite Nanoparticles Embedded in a Nanocellulose Matrix

Effect of MWCNTs surface functionalization on the characterization of PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites

The present study aims to put forward the role of surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the enhancement thermal and hydrophilicity properties of new nanocomposite based poly(vinyl alcohol)/surface functionalized MWCNTs (PVA/MWCNTs), prepared by a facile phase inversion process. In this study, the fabrication of PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites is carried out using functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) with different functional groups (–OH, –COOH, –NH2). The structural, morphological, thermal, hydrophilicity and physico-chemical properties of PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites are characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, FT-IR, TGA and contact angle measurement. The FT-IR results confirm the formation of a hydrogen bond between MWCNTs and PVA chain. XRD analysis indicates an improvement in the crystallinity of the PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposite. TGA results reveal that the PVA/f-MWCNTs nanocomposites show higher thermal stability than pure PVA. It is revealed that PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites based functionalized MWCNTs remarkably increase the degradation temperature, and thus enhancing the thermal properties. The highest weight loss (30.7 wt%) and degradation temperature (520 °C) values are obtained with PVA/f-MWCNTs(0.5 wt%). The contact angle measurement confirms that the hydrophobic properties of pure PVA became hydrophilic because of the functional groups of MWCNTs. The hydrophilicity of PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites is increased with the increase in wt% of MWCNTs embedded in the nanocomposite.

Hot injection synthesis of CuS decorated CdS and ZnS nanomaterials from metal thiosemicarbazone complexes as single source precursors: Application in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

CdS and ZnS are considered excellent semiconductors for photocatalysis, but photocorrosion and low photocatalytic activity limit their practical application. In order to improve on their photocatalytic activities, Copper sulfide-decorated CdS and ZnS (CuS@CdS and CuS@ZnS) nanocomposites were synthesized from Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes of 2–(phenyl(pyridin–2–yl)methylene)hydrazine–1–carbothioamide, as single source precursors using a facile hot injection method at 250 °C, employing olive oil as capping agent. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites were determined using various analytical techniques. The results of powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and elemental mapping showed the presence of CuS, CdS and ZnS in CuS@CdS and CuS@ZnS, confirming the formation of nanocomposites. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images show agglomeration of CuS nanoparticles on the surface of CdS and ZnS nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of CuS@CdS and CuS@ZnS nanocomposites revealed an agglomerated flower-like structure with porous surface. The band gap energies of 2.84 eV and 3.12 eV for CuS@CdS and CuS@ZnS, respectively, obtained from Tauc plots, demonstrate that combining CuS with single CdS and ZnS has an effect on their optical properties which probably account for the improved photocatalytic responses. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was evaluated using the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light irradiation. Results show that the degradation efficiencies for CuS@CdS (57 %) and CuS@ZnS (65 %) nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to those of pure CuS (42.0 %), CdS (35.1 %) and ZnS (57 %), suggesting that thiosemicarbazone complexes can be used as precursors for the development of metal sulphide nanocomposites as useful photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Improvement of thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polyethylene nanocomposites by introducing non‐covalently modified carbon nanotube and reactive polyethylene copolymer

AbstractWe herein report the enhancement of thermal, electrical, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and mechanical performance of polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites by the introduction of non‐covalently modified multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (EGMA) copolymer. For this purpose, benzylacetic acid‐functionalized MWCNT (BA‐M) is prepared by ball milling, and it is melt‐mixed with EGMA to prepare a masterbatch. The masterbatch is then melt‐compounded with neat PE to manufacture a series of PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposites with 0.5–5 wt% MWCNTs. Electron microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirm the successful fabrication of non‐covalently functionalized BA‐M, the uniform dispersity of MWCNTs in the PE matrix, and the chemical reactions between the carboxylic acid groups of BA‐M and the epoxy group of EGMA in the nanocomposites. Scanning calorimetric data reveals that BA‐M acts as an efficient nucleating agent for the crystallization of PE. The excellent dispersity and robust interfacial bonding of BA‐M in the PE matrix result in improved electrical and EMI shielding properties in PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposites. Furthermore, the tensile strength, initial modulus, and impact strength of the nanocomposites gradually rise as the BA‐M content increases. Thus, the PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposite containing 5 wt% MWCNT achieves excellent performance of EMI shielding effectiveness of ~14.7 dB/mm, tensile strength of ~34.5 MPa, initial modulus of ~295.7 MPa, and impact strength of ~539.9 J/m, which represent enhancements of ~265%, ~40%, ~82%, and ~452%, respectively, compared to pristine PE.Highlights Non‐covalently modified MWCNT (BA‐M) was prepared by facile ball milling. PE nanocomposites with BA‐M and EGMA were prepared by masterbatch melt‐mixing. Excellent dispersity and interfacial bonding of MWCNT in the PE matrix were attained. Tensile strength and initial modulus of the nanocomposites were highly improved. EMI shielding effectiveness of the nanocomposite with 5 wt% MWCNT was ~14.7 dB/mm.

Effect of molybdenum disulfide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes based hybrid on morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites

AbstractThree‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) functionalized MWCNTs hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized using in‐situ hydrothermal reaction. Two types of hybrids, MoS2/MWCNTs‐1 and MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 with MWCNTs to MoS2 precursor weight ratios 1:2 and 1:1 respectively were prepared with varying degrees of hybridization and the effects of their incorporation on tensile strength and fracture toughness properties of epoxies were investigated. Epoxy/MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 nanocomposites showed exceptional mechanical properties due to their improved dispersion, constrained chain mobility and excellent interfacial interactions. MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 nanocomposites showed maximum improvement of tensile strength by 28.52% at 0.5 wt% nanofiller concentration and the highest improvements in fracture toughness by 172% at 0.2 wt% nanofiller concentration. The excellent enhancement of fracture toughness properties was due to the synergic effect of MoS2/MWCNTs hybrid nanoparticles due to the crack pinning and bifurcation properties of MoS2 nanoparticles along with the pull‐out and crack bridging mechanisms of MWCNTs as observed in morphological analysis of fractures nanocomposites. The incorporation of 0.2 wt% of MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 increased the degradation temperatures of epoxy from 591 to 796°C at 95% weight loss due to the improved physical barrier effect.Highlights MoS2/MWCNTs nanoparticles were synthesized using in‐situ hydrothermal reaction 0.5 wt% MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 incorporated epoxies showed highest tensile strength 0.2 wt% MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 incorporated epoxy composites show improved K1c value Incorporation of MoS2/MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of epoxy Synergistic effect of nanocomposite due to crack pinning, bifurcation & bridging

THE MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON BASED NANOPARTICLE REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This comparative study experimentally investigates the effect of both the type and content of carbon based nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. For this purpose, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), expanded graphite (EG), and carbon black (CB) were used as reinforcing nanoparticles at various concentrations within the epoxy polymer. The nanoparticles were dispersed by ultrasonication method. CNTs incorporated up to 0.4% by weight (wt.) while EG and CB nanoparticles were employed at 4%, 8%, 10%, and 12% concentrations by weight. Tensile tests of the nanocomposites were conducted according to ASTM D680 to determine the mechanical properties of nanocomposites including ultimate tensile strength and modulus. The results revealed that all types of nanoparticles have a strong reinforcing effect on the mechanical properties depending on their concentrations. When carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used, the highest improvement in strength, by 84.7% at 0.1% wt., and in modulus, by 32.1% at 0.2% wt. content, was observed. EG nanoparticles exhibited improvement in both strength and modulus at all contents. The highest improvement in strength, by 109.6% at 4% wt., and in modulus, by 95.6% at 10% wt. concentration, was observed. In the case of carbon black (CB), improvement in strength was observed only at 4% wt. concentration, by 44.9%. On the other hand, enhancement in modulus was seen at all CB contents, with the greatest improvement at 10% wt., reaching 58.2%.

Suppression of Segmental Chain Dynamics on a Particle's Surface in Well-Dispersed Polymer Nanocomposites.

The Rouse dynamics of polymer chains in model nanocomposite polyethylene oxide/silica nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated using quasielastic neutron scattering. The apparent Rouse rate of the polymer chains decreases as the particle loading increases. However, there is no evidence of an immobile segment population on the probed time scale of tens of ps. The slowing down of the dynamics is interpreted in terms of modified Rouse models for the chains in the NP interphase region. Thus, two chain populations, one bulk-like and the other characterized by a suppression of Rouse modes, are identified. The spatial extent of the interphase region is estimated to be about twice the adsorbed layer thickness, or ≈2 nm. These findings provide a detailed description of the suppression of the chain dynamics on the surface of NPs. These results are relevant insights on surface effects and confinement and provide a foundation for the understanding of the rheological properties of polymer nanocomposites with well-dispersed NPs.

Prediction of nanocomposite properties and process optimization using persistent homology and machine learning

Physical property prediction and synthesis process optimization are key targets in material informatics. In this study, we propose a machine learning approach that utilizes ridge regression to predict the oxygen permeability at fuel cell electrode surfaces and determine the optimal process temperature. These predictions are based on a persistence diagram derived from tomographic images captured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Through machine learning analysis of the complex structures present in the Pt/CeO2 nanocomposites, we discovered that l2 regularization considering diverse structural elements is more appropriate than l1 regularization (sparse modeling). Notably, our model successfully captured the activation energy of oxygen permeability, a phenomenon that could not be solely explained by the geometric feature of the Betti numbers, as demonstrated in a previous study. The correspondence between the ridge regression coefficient and persistence diagram revealed the formation process of the local and three-dimensional structures of CeO2 and their contributions to pre-exponential factor and activation energies. This analysis facilitated the determination of the annealing temperature required to achieve the optimal structure and accurately predict the physical properties.

Experimental Investigation on the Tensile Behavior of MWCNT – Nano Silica Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites filled with single and binary combination of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-nano silica (NS) nanoparticles. The epoxy nanocomposites were produced using the mold casting method, and different filler ratios were employed to create nanocomposite samples. For the single particle-filled samples, filler ratios of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt.% for MWCNT and 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.% for NS were used. Additionally, hybrid samples were produced using filler ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (MWCNT: NS). The tensile test results indicated notable enhancements in the tensile behavior of the nanocomposite, attributed to the integration of nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix. Particularly, tensile strength values improved by 28.35% and 21.25% in C3 (0.5 wt.% MWCNT) and S2 (1.0 wt.% NS) composite samples compared to the pure sample, respectively. Additionally, the hybrid nanoparticle-filled composite samples introduced a synergistic effect on the tensile behavior of the nanocomposite. Especially, the hybrid sample H1 (1:1) showed the maximum enhancement in tensile strength by 44.26%. Significant improvements were also observed in tensile strain values. Compared to the control sample, the maximum improvement was recorded as 143% in the H2 hybrid sample (1:2).

A novel functionalized CuTi hybrid nanocomposites: facile one-pot mycosynthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifouling and wastewater disinfection performance

BackgroundThe continuous progress in nanotechnology is rapid and extensive with overwhelming futuristic aspects. Through modernizing inventive synthesis protocols, a paradigm leapfrogging in novelties and findings are channeled toward fostering human health and sustaining the surrounding environment. Owing to the overpricing and jeopardy of physicochemical synthesizing approaches, the quest for ecologically adequate schemes is incontestable. By developing environmentally friendly strategies, mycosynthesis of nanocomposites has been alluring.ResultsHerein, a novel architecture of binary CuO and TiO2 in nanocomposites form was fabricated using bionanofactory Candida sp., for the first time. For accentuating the structural properties of CuTi nanocomposites (CuTiNCs), various characterization techniques were employed. UV-Vis spectroscopy detected SPR at 350 nm, and XRD ascertained the crystalline nature of a hybrid system. However, absorption peaks at 8, 4.5, and 0.5 keV confirmed the presence of Cu, Ti and oxygen, respectively, in an undefined assemblage of polygonal-spheres of 15–75 nm aggregated in the fungal matrix of biomolecules as revealed by EDX, SEM and TEM. However, FTIR, ζ-potential and TGA reflected long-term stability (− 27.7 mV) of self-functionalized CuTiNCs. Interestingly, a considerable and significant biocide performance was detected at 50 µg/mL of CuTiNCs against some human and plant pathogens, compared to monometallic counterparts. Further, CuTiNCs (200 µg/mL) ceased significantly the development of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans biofilms by 80.3 ± 1.4, 68.7 ± 3.0 and 55.7 ± 3.0%, respectively. Whereas, 64.63 ± 3.5 and 89.82 ± 4.3% antimicrofouling potentiality was recorded for 100 and 200 µg/ml of CuTiNCs, respectively; highlighting their destructive effect against marine microfoulers cells and decaying of their extracellular polymeric skeleton as visualized by SEM. Moreover, CuTiNCs (100 and 200 µg/ml) exerted significantly outstanding disinfection potency within 2 h by reducing the microbial load (i.e., total plate count, mold & yeast, total coliforms and faecal Streptococcus) in domestic and agricultural effluents reached >50%.ConclusionThe synergistic efficiency provided by CuNPs and TiNPs in mycofunctionalized CuTiNCs boosted its recruitment as antiphytopathogenic, antibiofilm, antimicrofouling and disinfectant agent in various realms.

Study of the thermomechanical behavior of composite based on Elium acrylic resin, carbon nanotubes, and flax fibers: Experimental approach

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) addition on the thermomechanical, and electrical responses of unidirectional flax fibers/Elium acrylic modified carbon nanotubes‐based composite. The manufacturing process of these laminated composites involved infusing the nanofillers onto the fibers, ensuring good dispersion of MWCNT within the matrix. Regardless of the rate of incorporated nanotubes, this study revealed a significant deterioration of the mechanical properties in tension and viscoelastic properties of the Elium acrylic resin‐based nanocomposite. The electrical conductivity significantly increased for all nanocomposites and laminated composites. In contrast to the nanocomposite, the unidirectional flax fibers/MWCNT/Elium acrylic composite exhibited a considerable improvement in mechanical properties. An increase in Young's modulus and stress at break of about 27% and 23% respectively, was achieved for the material loaded with 2 wt% of MWCNT. The presence of MWCNT reduces the saturation weight by 5% for the unidirectional composite filled with an amount of 1.5 wt% in MWCNT.Highlights Improving the electrical properties of nanocomposites and unidirectional fibers (UD) composites. Improving the mechanical properties of Elium/flax/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites. Influence of MWCNTs on the water absorption of UD composites. Influence of MWCNT on the glass transition temperature of nanocomposites. Inhibiting polymerization of MWCNT with Elium.

The effect of ratcheting strain on post-ratcheting tensile test of metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced by Fe3O4 nanoparticles manufactured by the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process

This article concerns the effect of strain accumulation during low-cycle fatigue on the post-fatigue tensile behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) with identical layers of aluminum reinforced by Fe3O4 nanoparticles produced via the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) technique. Work-hardening behavior, deduced from ratcheting curves, was evaluated by the post-fatigue tensile test. The key finding in the mechanical properties of homogeneous nanocomposite in terms of reinforcement distribution, evolving due to microstructural evolution during the ARB process, is that accumulation of ratcheting strain decreases, and fatigue and post-fatigue tensile behavior significantly increases. The rupture mechanism, analyzed by scanning electron microscope, revealed that deep hemispherical-shaped dimples, a well-known feature of ductile rupture, were changed to elongated shallow shear dimples by the impact of microstructural evolution due to imposed 1000 cycles of ratcheting test.

Influence of electrothermopolarization process on the structure and properties of nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene and HfO2 nanoparticles

Influence of electrothermopolarization process on the structure and properties of nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene and HfO2 nanoparticles

Characterization of surface and bulk properties of α-Tocopherol blended and γ irradiated UHMWPE sandwich nanocomposites

In the present study, an unconventional approach in compression molding is chosen to fabricate Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) sandwich composites with Graphene (Gr) and Nano-diamond (ND) as fillers. A unique comparison is done between the surface and bulk properties of UHMWPE nano-composites and UHMWPE sandwich composites. Influence of gamma irradiation at doses of 50, 100 kGy doses and vitamin E (vit-E) on crystal structure, mechanical, thermal and tribological characteristics of UHMWPE composites were studied through x-ray diffraction (XRD), raman spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile, nano-indentation and wear characterization techniques. Fracture regions and surface wear of the samples were analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the dispersion behavior of fillers in matrix. The concentration of vit-E content in UHMWPE greatly influenced the crosslinks and surface properties in gamma irradiated composites. Gamma irradiation have shown significant improvement in crystallinity, viscous behavior and bulk properties of UHMWPE composites. Irradiated UHMWPE nano-composites have shown better tensile results when compared with sandwich composites, with 22 % increase in young's modulus and 16 % increase in yield stress. Wear rate has been reduced by 25 % for irradiated sandwich UHMWPE composites when compared with UHMWPE nano-composites.