Tunable radical scavenging activity of carbonaceous structures and their anti-oxidant behaviour in polymer based nanocomposites

Introduction: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their electronic properties, show radical scavenging activity toward the radical formed during the degradation processes of polymeric materials. In this work, we propose a novel strategy to control the CNTs anti-oxidant features through the application of an ultrasound treatment (us). Materials and Methods: Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs); CNTs have been sonicated at room temperature for different time intervals. Nanocomposites have been prepared though hot compaction and fully characterized. Results: The content of CNTs structural defects, evaluated through Raman-spectroscopy, increases wi…