Manufacture and properties of a polyethylene homocomposite

doi:10.1016/S1359-835X(97)00122-X

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

Volume 29, Issues 5–6, 1998, Pages 611-617

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-835X(97)00122-X Get rights and content

Abstract

A conventional composite consists of a matrix and a reinforcing phase differing in chemical composition, with the latter having superior mechanical properties. This paper presents the manufacture and mechanical properties of a homocomposite consisting of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene matrix and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforcing phase. While the chemical compositions of the bulk and fibers are the same, the fibers have a higher strength and a higher melting temperature due to their high degree of molecular orientation. The homocomposite was manufactured by alternatively laying up plys of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabric or randomly oriented fibers and ultra-high molecular weight resin in a mold followed by compression molding. The molding temperature was chosen to be slightly higher than the melting temperature of the matrix, but below that of the fabric or fibers. The fibers were also crosslinked using gamma irradiation so as to retain their molecular orientation during compression molding. Mechanical properties of the homocomposite such as the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and hardness are improved in a direction parallel to the fiber orientation, when compared with the properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The homocomposite also exhibits a lower friction coefficient and higher wear resistance, which are desirable properties in bearing applications. In addition, owing to the biocompatibility of polyethylene, the homocomposite may be acceptable as a bearing material in joint prostheses.

References (11)

C. Marais et al.
Manufacturing and mechanical characterization of unidirectional polyethylene-fiber/polyethylene-matrix composites
Composites Science and Technology
(1992)
N.J. Capiati et al.
The concept of one polymer composites modeled with high density polyethylene
Journal of Materials Science
(1975)
W.T. Mead et al.
The preparation and tensile properties of polyethylene composites
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
(1978)
P.E. Alei et al.
Ultra tough plastic material
(1986)
P. Smith et al.
Ultra-high strength polyethylene filaments by solution spinning/drawing
Journal of Materials Science
(1980)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (52)

Lightweight and sustainable self-reinforced composites
2023, Lightweight and Sustainable Composite Materials: Preparation, Properties and Applications
Composite materials are widely used in various applications like aerospace, automotive, construction, and many more due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and superior properties. Self-reinforcing composites are an exceptional class of composites that provide competitive properties and improve recyclability and sustainability. They are developed by combining the same family of materials as the constituent matrix and the reinforcement, making them chemically homogeneous. The current study gives a brief overview of the various types of self-reinforced composites (SRCs) in use with their properties. The lightweight nature and sustainability perspectives have been discussed. The study provides proper insight into the recent developments in the field by comparing the properties of various types, helping to understand the range of available traits for targeted applications. SRCs have a wide range of possibilities for development further to meet the requirements of future applications.
LDPE/MWCNT and LDPE/MWCNT/UHMWPE self-reinforced fiber-composite foams prepared via supercritical CO<inf>2</inf>: A microstructure-engineering property perspective
2021, Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Citation Excerpt :
Hence, various methods have been established to boost the interfacial region between matrix and fibers, such as the use of coupling agents [40]. A feasible approach is to select the fiber and matrix from the same or similar material, which is termed a "self-reinforced composite" [39,41]. Interestingly, there is no obstacle in the processing procedure (if the fibers remain intact in the composite) because the matrix and fiber have different melting points.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were foamed using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). Uniform nanofiller dispersion was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheological measurements, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). By incorporating MWCNTs in the matrix, the average cell size was reduced to less than one-third that of neat foam (from 32.92 to 9.24 µm), and cell density jumped from 0.205 × 10⁹ to 5.26 × 10⁹ cell/cm³. After evaluating the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites and their foams, as well as elucidating the foaming process's role in the crystalline structure, there was a great need to boost the mechanical performance. Hence, ultra-high molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber was embedded in the system, which is a reliable reinforcement for, and compatible with, the polyethylene, owing to its basic similarity to the matrix. The electrical conductivity of the solid and foamed materials was greatly improved by the addition of 15 wt% UHMWPE fibers and 1.4 wt% filler.
Fiber tortuosity and its effects on shock transfer characteristics of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers embedded in a polyurethane composite structure
2020, Composites Science and Technology
Low density, high strength, and flexibility of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers have made them a topic of intensive research in many fields. More specifically, UHMWPE has been extensively used in shock damping applications. However, little is known about the effects of fiber tortuosity and fiber wetting on the shock transfer characteristics of these fibers. Herein, focus is placed on studying the effects of tortuosity and fiber wetting on the shock transfer characteristics of UHMWPE fiber braid embedded in a polyurethane matrix. Shock transfer characteristics of these fibers are identified by generating a longitudinal shock on one end of the fiber, while simultaneously measuring the transferred force overtime on the other side of the fiber. From the experiments it is found that the force versus time response of these structures show an underdamped response. Analyzing the maximum force transfer and the rate of decay, it is seen that tortuosity has a significant effect on the shock transfer characteristics of these structures. Given the nature of these results, it is strongly believed that the presented work provides a creative strategy for designing, developing, and characterizing, new composite structures with improved impact attenuation characteristics.
Polyethylene and polypropylene matrix composites for biomedical applications
2019, Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers
Polyolefins are a major polymer family, which have vast achievements due to a wide variety of properties, being reasonably low cost, their recyclability, easy processability, and numerous application prospects. Among polyolefins, polyethylene and polypropylene (PP) are the most produced and consumed. In polyethylene, various forms are available of differing chain structures, crystallinity, and densities, like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In polypropylene, methyl groups are incorporated in spatially different ways, resulting in isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic forms. HDPE and UHMWPE have found extensive applications in the biomedical field. UHMWPE is used in total hip or knee replacements because of its high impact resistance, ductility, and stability in contact with physiological fluids. PP resins have high transparency and radiation resistance and are therefore used in syringes, inhaling systems, containers, caps, and closures, etc. With the help of composite technology, significant enhancements in polyethylene and polypropylene materials are possible. It is obvious that polyethylene and polypropylene matrix composites are useful in the pharmaceutical, medical device, laboratory, syringe, and diagnostics fields due to its outstanding properties, such as low density, low toxicity, easy sterilization, high transparency, increased mechanical strength, improved impact properties, good chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, high heat resistance, decreased gas permeability, excellent electrical insulation, and low flammability. The interest in polyethylene and polypropylene-based composites is growing as well as it taking center stage in biomedical markets and will continue to develop due to the necessity of these materials for various biomedical applications. This chapter provides an overview of polyolefin and its composites in the biomedical sector and the specific advantages of polyethylene and polypropylene composites for biomedical applications are emphasized.
Study of Electrospun fiber diameter using ANSOFT and ANSYS
2018, Materials Today: Proceedings
Highly controllable electrostatic field parameters are essential to achieve the expected size and properties of the electrospun nanofibres. The main objective of this research was to predict diameter of electrospun fibres by numerical and analytical approaches. Finite Element Analysis was carried out for the electric field structure at different voltages of electrospinning process using ANSOFT and ANSYS. Diameter of the electrospun fibres was derived based on the Scaling Law for the jet radius. The electric field intensity obtained using ANSOFT and ANSYS was used in the Scaling Law to predict the diameter of the electrospun fibres, which was further validated by using the experimental results reported in the open literature. Fibre diameter decreased with increase in voltage in all the studied cases. The predicted and experimental fibre diameter agreed with each other for voltages above 7.5 kV. Numerical analysis provided electrical field intensity as a function of tip to collector distance as well as voltage applied
In-situ microfibrillar/nanofibrillar single polymer composites: Preparation, characterization, and application
2017, Micro and Nano Fibrillar Composites (MFCs and NFCs) from Polymer Blends
This chapter discusses the new class of polymer composites namely microfibrillar/nanofibrillar based single polymer composites (SPCs). In the case of SPCs, the reinforcing material and the matrix remain in similar chemical composition, but have different physical properties. The SPCs can readily undergo recycling process and hence are reusable. The SPCs offer excellent mechanical characteristics, which are due to the improved interfacial adhesion achieved between microfibrils/nanofibrils and the matrix. In this chapter, various methods for fabrication of SPCs are described in detail. The SPCs composites made by using different polymers and their mechanical properties are highlighted. Following this, the chapter also describes the effect of carbon nanotubes and commercial applications of SPCs in different industrial sectors.

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Manufacture and properties of a polyethylene homocomposite

Abstract

Composites Science and Technology

The concept of one polymer composites modeled with high density polyethylene

Journal of Materials Science

The preparation and tensile properties of polyethylene composites

Journal of Applied Polymer Science

Ultra tough plastic material

Ultra-high strength polyethylene filaments by solution spinning/drawing

Journal of Materials Science