Multifunctionality in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites with reduced graphene oxide: Hardness, impact and tribological properties

High performance in multiple properties is still a challenge to address in the case of polymer composites with engineered polymers. Herein, reduced graphene oxide was dispersed in an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene matrix through a novel and optimized process to produce nanocomposites with high performance at low nanofiller contents. The graphene layers assisted the formation of long-range ordered lamellar structures and microfibers between the crystals. We found that there is a fracture transition from fragile to ductile depending on the impact speed. This transition occurs at 0.25 wt% of rGO content, which is extremely useful for several high-performance applications that require a good combination of impact and wear resistance during operation. Graphene enhances the wear resistance performance of UHMWPE matrix, leading to a reduction of 40% of volume loss in abrasive wear. The results indicate an advance in the classification of the UHMWPE from engineering polymers to high performance polymers.