Non-isothermal melting behavior of UHMWPE/SCF/SiO2 composites

The non-isothermal melting behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with short carbon fibers (SCFs) and nano-SiO2 particles investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The melting tests were conducted at the cooling rates of 10, 20, and 30 oC/min prior to heating at the rate of 10 oC/min. Melting peak temperatures increased by the incorporation of SCFs and remained almost constant by adding nano-SiO2. The value of absolute melting crystallinity increased by adding SCFs. However, the presence of nano-SiO2 led to a decrease in the absolute melting crystallinity.