Ultradrawing novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers filled with bacterial cellulose nanofibers

Novel ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/bacterial cellulose (BC) (F100BCy) and UHMWPE/modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) (F100MBCx-y) as-prepared fibers were prepared and ultradrawn. The achievable draw ratio (D-ra) values of each F100MBCx-y as-prepared fiber series specimens approached a maximum value as their MBC contents reached the optimal value at 0.0625 phr. In which, the maximum Dm value obtained for F100MBCx-0.0625 as-prepared fiber specimen prepared at the optimal MBC content reached another maximum value at 347 as the weight ratio of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene to BC approach an optimal value at 10. In contrast, no significant improvement in D-ra values was found for F100BCy as-prepared fiber specimens. To understand these interesting ultradrawing properties described above, Fourier transform infra-red, specific surface areas, and transmission electron microcopic analyses of original and modified BC nanofibers together with the thermal, orientation and tensile properties of F100BCy and F100MBCx-y fiber specimens were performed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.