In this study, a way to reinforce the properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/vitamin E (VE) nanocomposites was put to use by adding graphene oxide (GO) combined with gamma-ray irradiation cross-linking. The influences of adding GO and irradiation cross-linking treatment on the thermal and mechanical properties were studied, especially the effect of GO doping on irradiation cross-linked UHMWPE/VE nanocomposites. The results show that GO filling has no significant effect on melting temperature and gel content decreased at a small degree, but the crystallinity has been improved obviously. In addition, the ball indentation hardness and scratch resistance were enhanced as well. The comprehensive effects of improved crystallinity and reduced cross-linking degree as well as the good mechanical properties of GO doping were responsible for this result.

Keywords: graphene oxide, UHMWPE/vitamin E nanocomposites, irradiation cross-linking, hardness, scratch resistance