Technology of liquid-phase compounding of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene with nanoparticles of inorganic compounds under the action of ultrasonic vibrations

Abstract

A novel technology for preparing nanocomposites on the basis of ultra-high-molecular-mass polyethylene and nanoparticles of inorganic compounds (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, AlN, Si₃N₄) was developed and tested. The technology consists in liquid-phase compounding of nanocomposite components under the continuous action of ultrasonic vibrations. The developed technology ensures dispersion of nanopaticle agglomerates in a liquid medium, efficient mixing of components of the powder blend, and uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The nanocomposites obtained exhibit increased levels of strength and elasticity.