Study on the preparation and characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene-carbon nanotubes composite fiber

Abstract The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite fibers were prepared by gel spinning. To realize the homogeneous dispersion and good load transfer between the CNTs and the polymer matrix, the purification and functionalization of CNTs were carried out. TEM, SEM, XRD, IR were used to characterize the CNTs, their dispersion in the matrix and the functional group changes on the surface of the CNTs. The results showed that there was no obvious agglomerating of CNTs in obtained composite fibers and consequently a good interaction between CNTs and UHMWPE matrix was also established. Furthermore, it was found that the adding of CNTs resulted into a peculiar structure, a more regular alignment of the UHMWPE morphology. The mechanical and thermal properties of UHMWPE–CNTs fibers prepared by gel spinning and ultra drawing were improved compared with that of pure UHMWPE fiber.