Rheological, Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of UHMWPE/CNC Composites

In this work, composites of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and various loadings of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared exploiting different methods. CNC-reinforced composites exhibited improved Young’s modulus and yielding strength with respect to unfilled UHMWPE. The preparation method involving a solution mixing step was more effective than the dry method in promoting the achievement of embedded CNC particles preferentially located in the interfacial region between UHMWPE grains. Finally, UHMWPE/CNC composites obtained by solution mixing showed higher thermal conductivity and lower volume resistivity in comparison with those prepared by dry method, high-lighting that the proper selection of the processing method plays a key role in determining the material final performances.