Effects of carbon nanofibers on crystalline structures and properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene blend fabricated using twin-screw extrusion

Melt mixing in an extruder with polymers is an effective approach for forming nanocomposites, allowing mass production applications. The intent of this study is to investigate carbon nanofiber composites with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix using the twin-screw extruder. To decrease the high viscosity of UHMWPE, a low density polyethylene (LDPE) was added into the UHMWPE. The effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the crystalline structures and properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed the addition of CNFs decreases the degree of crystallinity, but does not impart significant effects on the crystalline structure of the UHMWPE/LDPE blend. Tensile test results showed that the nanocomposite with loading of 3 wt % CNFs had an increase of 38% in tensile strength and 15% in modulus. The thermal stability and thermal conductivity of UHMWPE/ LDPE blends were also enhanced by the addition of CNFs. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.