2/4/2011
Ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh- molecular-weight polyethylene/carbon nanotube fibers prepared at various formation temperatures
(59–68)Polymer International 60 #1 (2011)
Yeh et al from Taiwan and China studied the influence of formation temperature on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/carbon nanotube (UHMWPE/CNT) fiber specimens.  The achievable draw ratio (Dra) values of UHMWPE/CNT as-prepared fibers reach a maximum when they are prepared with the optimum CNT content and formation temperature.  The Dra value of UHMWPE/CNT as-prepared fibers produced using the optimum CNT content and formation temperature is about 33% higher than that of UHMWPE as-prepared fibers produced using the optimum concentration and formation temperature. The percentage crystallinity (Wc) and melting temperature (Tm) of UHMWPE/CNT as-prepared fiber specimens increase significantly as the formation temperature increases. In contrast, Wc increases but Tm decreases significantly as the CNT content increases.  (RDC 2/3/2011)