Effects of different mixing methods on properties of UHMWPE-based composites

The effects of both the gas stream comminution and the mechanical mixing methods on the dispersions and the properties of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites filled with nano-silica or superfine glass beads were investigated.By means of the two mixing methods,the fillers treated by coupling agent were filled into UHMWPE and the resistance to heat,tensile strength,and the hardness of UHMWPE-based composites were tested.The physical and mechanical properties of the composites were obviously enhanced by the gas stream comminution mixing compared with the mechanical mixing.The photographs of the nano-aggregate in the composites observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) indicated that the dispersions of the fillers can be effectively improved by the gas stream comminution method.