Investigation of the Tensile Strength and Chemical Interaction & Structure of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Silicon Carbide Nanocomposite

Purpose In this research, nanocomposite of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles was prepared and characterized in terms of chemical interaction, molecular structure, tensile strength, and dispersion state of nanoparticles in the UHMWPE matrix. Method Nanocomposite of UHMWPE/SiC was prepared in gradient loadings (1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 wt % of the SiC nanoparticles) by means of ultra-sonication mixing technique followed by compression molding. Results Physicochemical interaction of the UHMWPE matrix and the SiC nanoparticles at filler/polymer interface was suggested by Fourier-transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. X-ray diffraction (XRD) approved that the incorporation of SiC in the UHMWPE matrix did not change the orthorhombic crystalline structure of neat UHMWPE. However, an increase in crystallinity of 14% was achieved with the 3 wt % of SiC. No significant change was observed in the average grain size comparing the pure UHMWPE to its nanocomposites. Conclusion Enhancement in mechanical properties were achieved by 3 wt % SiC reinforced UHMWPE where young's modulus, tensile strength and strain at break increased by an average of 13%, 20% and 46% respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) approved good dispersion of SiC nanoparticles in UHMWPE matrix up to 3 wt%.