Use of Amphiphilic Composites based on Clay/Carbon Nanofibers as Fillers in UHMWPE

Abstract

In this work, it is proposed a new strategy to improve the dispersion of inorganic fillers in polymeric matrices by producing surface carbon nanostructures. Clay/carbon nanofibers particles were prepared and used as fillers to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analyses, Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with ethanol at different temperatures, i.e. 700, 800 and 900 °C with and without Fe catalyst, can be used to produce carbon (0.5-3.6 wt.%), mainly as nanofibers, on the clay surface. The use of these clay/carbon particles as fillers in UHMWPE at 1 and 3 wt.% produced an increase in the yield stress from 16 to ca. 20 MPa and Young modulus from 314 MPa for pure UHMWPE to values near 395-408 MPa. Moreover, the presence of the carbon/clay composites led to a strong improvement of the thermal properties of the UHMWPE increasing the decomposition T onset (degradation start temperature) from 445 up to 472 °C. It was also observed by the crystallization enthalpies that the UHMWPE increased the crystallinity from 55 to 80-85% in the presence of the carbon composites. These results are discussed in terms of the strong interactions of the hydrophobic carbon nanostructures on the clay surface with the polymer hydrophobic chains.

Characterization and optimization of mechanical properties of bamboo/nanoclay/polyvinyl alcohol/styrene nanocomposites using response surface methodology

“…[15] The crystallinity and morphology of semicrystalline polymers are substantially influenced by the introduction of silicate platelets. [24] The platelets modify the crystallite size, nucleation rate, crystallization kinetics, and the general crystal structure of the polymer. [25] The intercalation of polymers in nanoclays can be achieved through addition of a suitable monomer followed by polymerization, melt intercalation, or polymer intercalation from solution.…”

Morphology, Dielectric and EMI Shielding Characteristics of Graphene Nanoplatelets, Montmorillonite Nanoclay and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Polyvinylidenefluoride Nanocomposites

“…The XRD pattern of MMT nanoclay also displayed several prominent diffraction peaks associated with its lamellar structure. The diffraction peak at 2θ = 12.52° is attributed to (001) reflection while the peaks at 2θ = 20.62° (100) and 2θ = 35.08° (110) are associated with pyrophyllite mineral phase of MMT [57,58]. The XRD patterns of PVDF/GNPs/MMT/TiO 2 and PVDF/ GNPs/TiO 2 nanocomposite films are depicted in Fig.…”

Effect of Borpolymer on Mechanical and Structural Parameters of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

“…[21][22][23]. In addition, specific methods of processing PCM are used, including the following: mixing a filler and polymer in solvents, adding surfactants [24][25][26], crosslinking UHMWPE macromolecules, modifying fillers by CVD-chemical vapor deposition [27], functionalizing fillers, etc. [28,29].…”