Structure and microwave absorbing properties of carbon-filled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Abstract

AbstractColloid composition based on the nanosized carbon powder, dispersed in complex mineral solvent, was elaborated. It was found that the composition can be used both as surface coating and as filler for an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene matrix. A study of electromagnetic wave absorption showed that the coatings and composites thus obtained possess high microwave protection properties. Wave absorption of a coating 50 μm thick varies from −5 to −25 dB depending on frequency. A study of polymer composites filled with colloid composition, showed that increase in the filler content leads to the transition from chaotically dispersed to the oriented distribution of colloid composition particles in the polymer matrix. Tensile test showed that the polymer filled with colloid composition retains the mechanical properties close to those of pure ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Microwave absorption gradually increases with increasing filler content in UHMWPE-based composites.