Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and thermoplastic polyest
er-type polyurethane (PU) were blended with polyethylene-grafted maleic anh
ydride (PE-g-MAH) added as a compatibilizer. A dual roller was used as a mi
xer, and all specimens were produced by the compression molding method. It
was found that without compatibilizer, UHMWPE and PU were immiscible polyme
rs and mixing PE-g-MAH reduced the size of the dispersed PU domains by a fa
ctor of 10 to reach 0.5-5 mum and caused a more uniform distribution of the
PU phase in the UHMWPE matrix. Also, PE-g-MAH influenced the crystallinity
of UHMWPE, increased the amorphous region in the UHMWPE phase, and improve
d interfacial adhesion. The threshold concentration of compatibilizer was 1
0 wt %, and the compatibilized UHMWPE/PU composites had improved mechanical
properties and lower wear rate than the uncompatibilized composite. At som
e ratio points, compatibilizer composites even had better wear-resistance p
roperties than pure UHMWPE. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.