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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Multi-functional Stabilizers-functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for advanced Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene-based Nanocomposites

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description

Stabilizing molecules, such as hindered phenols (both synthetic and naturally occurring), polyphenols and hindered amine light stabilizers, were covalently linked or physically absorbed onto outer surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the obtained multi-functional fillers (Stab-f-CNTs) were dispersed in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) aiming at obtaining advanced nanocomposites with enhanced thermo- and/or photo-oxidative stability, electrical and mechanical properties. The chemical grafting or physical absorption of stabilizing molecules is confirmed by spectroscopic, spectrometric and thermo-gravimetric analyses, and the influence of the multi-functional nanoparticles on the morphology, mechanical, electrical and rheological behaviour and thermo-/photo-oxidative stability of the nanocomposites are investigated. UHMWPE/Stab-f-CNTs nanocomposites show improved electrical and mechanical properties compared with those of bare CNTs based nanocomposites and, due to the multi-functional nature of used nanoparticles, shows enhanced thermo-/photo-oxidative stability caused by a synergic action between the immobilized stabilizing molecules and the radical scavenging activity of CNTs.