Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced using planetary ball milling. The aim was to develop a more wear resistant composite with increased mechanical properties to be used in stress bearing joints. The manufacturing technique, using ball-milling to incorporate MWCNT into UHMWPE matrix was investigated. The effect of manufacturing parameters such as effect of ball milling time and rotational speed on final composite was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), particle size distribution and contact angle measurements. Ball milling as mixing technique for UHMWPE based composites is not a new approach but yet, the effect of time, rotational speed, loading of milling jar and type of ball mill has not been reported properly for UHMWPE. 0.5 and 1 wt% UHMWPE/MWCNTs were manufactured at different rotational speed and mixing time. The results indicate that rotational speed rather than mixing time is important for dispersing MWCNTs
Validerad; 2016; Nivå 2