Conductive composites of UHMWPE and ceramics based on the segregated network concept

The manufacturing of composites of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and ceramics with conductive properties has been investigated. Attention has been focused on the lowering of the amount of filler necessary to achieve low resistivity. Using segregated networks, mixing large polymer particles and submicron metal or conductive ceramic particles may be an interesting route, provided that the processing method enables to generate the desired structures. Because sintering avoids the intimate blending of the components, it is a suitable technique for this aim. The combined effects of temperature, pressure and sintering time have been investigated. The influence of the blending of the solids on the covering of the polyethylene particles before the sintering has also been pointed out. The typical features related to the concept of a segregated network are discussed in connection with the morphologies of the polymer and ceramic particles. The successful application of the reduction of the percolation threshold by a segregated network in conductive composites of polymer and metallic particles is described.