Ultradrawing Gel Films of Blends of Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene and Low-Molecular-Weight Polyethylenes with Varying Short-Chain Branched Lengths

Synthesis of high molecular weight polyethylene using FI catalyst

A FI Zr-based catalyst of bis[N-(3,5-dicumylsalicylidene)-2′,6′­diisopropylanilinato]zirconium(IV) dichloride was prepared and used for polymerization of ethylene. The effects of reaction conditions on the polymerization were examined in detail. The increase in ethylene pressure and rise in polymerization temperature up to 35 oC were favorable for catalyst/MAO to raise the catalytic activity as...

A low molecular weight hydrogel with unusual gel aging.

We describe a dipeptide hydrogel with unusual aging characteristics. Over time, a transformation from a turbid gel to a transparent gel occurs which is initiated from the air-water interface. Here, we investigate this transition and discuss the implications of this aging on the bulk properties of the gel.

Wear of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Surfactant Effects on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene/Layered Silicate Composites.

In this study, the reinforcement of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with biotite was investigated. The biotite filler was mechanically activated with different dry surfactants to improve its compatibility with UHMWPE and decrease agglomeration among biotite particles. Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were selected as cationi...

Graphene nanoplatelet-induced strengthening of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and biocompatibility in vitro.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are added as reinforcement to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with an intended application for orthopedic implants. Electrostatic spraying is established as a potential fabrication method for synthesizing large-scale UHMWPE-GNP composite films. At a low concentration of 0.1 wt % GNP, the composite film shows highest improvement in fracture toughnes...