Microstructure design of UHMWPE-based materials: blending with graphite nanoplatelets

The main scope of this work was to develop a processing method to homogeneously distribute graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) within an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix. After this step, we estimated the toughness of the new nanocomposite material. Combining a sonication step, a micro-extrusion step and a hot-pressing step, we did not reach an optimal distribution state of the nanofillers. Nevertheless, the toughness of the nanocomposites evaluated by Charpy tester was higher than that of the reference UHMWPE (only processed by hot-pressing). We also found that our new processing procedure applied to neat UHMWPE leads to the higher toughness than that of the nanocomposite. Micro-extrusion appears as a promising processing tool for neat UHMWPE.