Elaboration of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Composite Fibers

Micron‐sized fibers of UHMWPE reinforced with CNT were fabricated by the electrospinning process. Conditions for a metastable mutual solution of UHMWPE and CNTs were found at elevated temperature. These solutions were used for electrospining using a device having controlled temperature and gaseous environment around the electrospun liquid jet. The fabricated micron‐sized fibers exhibited the reinforcing CNTs as self‐organized nano‐ropes embedded within them. A post‐spinning drawing process enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite fibers to the level of 6.6 GPa strength and elongation at break of 6%. The CNT nano‐ropes form spontaneously in the liquid jet during electrospinning, and provide the reinforcement framework which is amenable for post‐drawing of the fibers for subsequent utilization as composite nanofibers. The experimental results exhibit the highest strength value reported to date for electrospun fibers. Micron‐sized UHMWPE fibers reinforced with carbon nanotubes are fabricated by the electrospinning process that is optimized for operation at elevated temperature with an annular hot gas veil around the liquid jet. Oriented along the fiber axis continuous CNT bundles, spontaneously formed during UHMWPE/CNT spinning, provide good reinforcement in subsequent utilization of composites based on these UHMWPE/CNT fibers.