Mechanical and rheological properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced polyethylene composites

This paper investigates some mechanical and rheological properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). It was found that the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the composites can increase by 89% and 56%, respectively, when the nanotube loading reaches 10 wt%. The curving and coiling of MWNTs play an important role in the enhancement of the composite modulus. It was also found that the materials experience a fluid–solid transition at the composition of 4.8 wt%, beyond which a continuous MWNT network forms throughout the matrix and in turn promotes the reinforcement of the MWNTs. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.