Multifunctionality in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites with reduced graphene oxide: Hardness, impact and tribological properties

High performance in multiple properties is still a challenge to address in the case of polymer composites with engineered polymers. Herein, reduced graphene oxide was dispersed in an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene matrix through a novel and optimized process to produce nanocomposites with high performance at low nanofiller contents. The graphene layers assisted the formation of long-range ordered lamellar structures and microfibers between the crystals. We found that there is a fracture transition from fragile to ductile depending on the impact speed. This transition occurs at 0.25 wt% of rGO content, which is extremely useful for several highperformance applications that require a good combination of impact and wear resistance during operation. Graphene enhances the wear resistance performance of UHMWPE matrix, leading to a reduction of 40% of volume loss in abrasive wear. The results indicate an advance in the classification of the UHMWPE from engineering polymers to high performance polymers.

Automated summary

By dispersing reduced graphene oxide in an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene matrix, nanocomposites with high performance at low nanofiller contents were produced. The addition of graphene enhanced the wear resistance performance of the composite material, making it suitable for various high performance applications. This research result is of great significance for improving the performance of polymers.