Increased interaction between Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene fibres and epoxy matrices for advanced composite materials

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre is considered as an excellent strengthening component due to its high specific stiffness and strength, good wear resistance, low coefficient of friction and great chemical resistance. However, very weak interfacial adhesion with resin has hampered the development of UHMWPE-based composites with high performance. To improve the bonding between UHMWPE fibres and polymer matrices, the fibre surface needs to be modified. With the aim of improving the interface adhesion properties, the surface of the fibres has been decorated with PE crystal by a suitable chemical treatment. Adhesion property has been examined by pull-out tests, while tensile tests have been performed to evaluate the strength of the fibre. Preliminary results indicate that, compared to unmodified UHMWPE fibres, the overall mechanical properties of the composite with treated UHMWPE fibres and epoxy resin have been greatly improved. Moreover, the applied treatment does not weaken the strength of the fibre. The study results imply that the modified fibres have a great potential for use as reinforcing elements in high-performance composites.