Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposite films : Thermomechanical property, morphology, and gas permeability

The thermomechanical property, morphology, and gas permeability of nanocomposites of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with two different organoclays are compared. Hexamethylene benzimidazole -mica (C-16 BIMD-Mica) and Cloisite 25A were used as reinforcing fillers in the formation of UHMWPE hybrid films. Dispersions of organoclays with UHMWPE wore carried out by using the solution intercalation method at different organoclay contents to produce nano-scale composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs show that some of the clay layers are dispersed homogeneously within the polymer matrix on the nano-scale, although some clay particles are agglomerated. We also found that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay is enough to improve the thermomechanical property and gas barrier of the UHMWPE hybrid films. In general, Cloisite 25A is more effective than C16 BIMD-Mica in increasing both the thermomechanical property and the gas barrier in a UFITAWPE matrix.