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WEAR BEHAVIOR OF CARBON NANOTUBE/HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES
Brian B Johnson1, Michael H Santare, John E Novotny
1Anholt Technologies, 440 Church Road, Avondale, PA 19311.
Mechanics of Materials : an International Journal
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) enhances composite wear resistance and mechanical properties. Higher MWCNT content resulted in improved stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and reduced wear in the tested nanocomposites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a widely used polymer, but its mechanical properties and wear resistance can be limiting for certain applications.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their exceptional mechanical strength and high aspect ratio, making them promising nanofillers for polymer composites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of incorporating untreated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into an HDPE matrix on the mechanical properties and wear behavior of the resulting nanocomposites.
- To quantify the relationship between MWCNT content and the performance enhancements in CNT/HDPE composites.
Main Methods:
- CNT/HDPE nanocomposite films were prepared using mixing and extrusion processes with varying MWCNT weight percentages (1%, 3%, 5%).
- Test specimens were molded and machined from the precursor composites.
- Mechanical properties (stiffness, maximum load, work-to-failure) were evaluated using small punch testing.
- Wear behavior was assessed through block-on-ring testing, with pure HDPE serving as a control.
Main Results:
- The mechanical properties, including stiffness and maximum load, showed a significant increase with higher MWCNT content.
- Work-to-failure also improved with the addition of MWCNTs.
- Wear resistance of the CNT/HDPE composites was found to increase as the nanotube content increased.
- All tested properties demonstrated improvement with increasing MWCNT loading within the studied range.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating untreated multi-walled carbon nanotubes into HDPE effectively enhances the nanocomposite's mechanical performance and wear resistance.
- The degree of improvement in mechanical properties and wear resistance is directly correlated with the weight percentage of MWCNTs in the composite.
- CNT/HDPE nanocomposites offer a promising route to developing advanced materials with superior tribological and mechanical characteristics.
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