Mesoporous Membrane Materials Based on Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene: From Synthesis to Applied Aspects

The development of new porous polymeric materials with nanoscale pore dimensions and controlled morphology presents a challenging problem of modern materials and membrane science, which should be based on scientifically justified approaches with the emphasis on ecological issues. This work offers a facile and sustainable strategy allowing preparation of porous nanostructured materials based on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) via the mechanism of environmental intercrystallite crazing and their detailed characterization by diverse physicochemical methods, including SEM, TEM, AFM, liquid and gas permeability, DSC, etc. The resultant porous UHMWPE materials are characterized by high porosity (up to ~45%), pore interconnectivity, nanoscale pore dimensions (below 10 nm), high water vapor permeability [1700 g/(m² × day)] and high gas permeability (the Gurley number ~300 s), selectivity, and good mechanical properties. The applied benefits of the advanced UHMWPE mesoporous materials as efficient membranes, breathable, waterproof, and insulating materials, light-weight materials with reduced density, gas capture and storage systems, porous substrates and scaffolds are discussed.

Design and Characterization of the Surface Porous UHMWPE Composite Reinforced by Graphene Oxide

The surface porous ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites were successfully fabricated with NaCl and graphene oxide (GO) in the hot-pressing procedure. The GO sheets were evenly dispersed in UHMWPE with the sedimentation method of GO in saturated NaCl. The morphologies, chemical compositions, mechanical, and tribological properties of GO and surface porous GO/NaCl/UHMWPE were investigated. The results show that GO sheet and NaCl could be evenly dispersed in UHMWPE. The regular pores are present on the surface of UHMWPE after NaCl dissolution in distilled water. The wear resistance properties are improved significantly, and the friction properties increased slightly with the addition of GO and NaCl.