Influence of different dry-mixing techniques on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene/exhausted tire carbon composites

The mechanical, thermal, and electrical behavior of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMWPE) composites containing different amount of pyrolyzed exhausted tire carbon (ETC) is investigated. Composites were obtained by dry-mixing the powders with a homogenizer and an impact mill. The results clearly indicate that, by changing the mixing method, it is possible to tune the rheological and morphological characteristics of the composites and in turn their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Better performances were observed for the composites obtained with the impact mill, which showed improved Young modulus, reduced electrical and thermal resistance with respect to those of homogenized counterparts. All the composites exhibited a relevant reduction of electrical resistivity with a percolation threshold of 1.51 vol%.