Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Fabrication method and properties

► The composites UHMWPE+MWCNT were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and drawing. ► The orientation composites provides high load transfer ability from the matrix to the filler. ► The tensile strength of drawn composite increased in 4 times in comparison with initial matrix. ► Tribological tests showed a decrease of dry friction coefficient from 0.24 to 0.14. The article discusses fabrication of a composite material based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Nanotubes were introduced into polymer matrix using the method of mechanochemical synthesis. Composite powder UHMWPE+MWCNT was hot pressed and then stretched at room temperature to achieve orientation of nanotubes. Oriented stripes were piled and thermopressed to monolithic samples. For UHMWPE-based composite containing 1% wt. of MWCNT mechanical stretch tests showed an increase of ultimate strength in four times and an increase of yield strength by 40% compared to neat UHMWPE. Tribological tests demonstrated a significant decrease of friction coefficient.