The mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were determined, and the effects of fiber surface treatment and fiber mass fraction on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Chromic acid was used to modify the UHMWPE fibers, and the results showed that the surface roughness and the oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of the fibers could be effectively increased. The NR matrix composites were prepared with as‐received and chromic acid treated UHMWPE fibers added 0–6 wt%. The treated UHMWPE fibers increased the elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness of the NR composites, especially the tensile stress at a given elongation, but reduced the tensile strength. The elongation at break increased markedly with increasing fiber mass fraction, attained maximum values at 3.0 wt%, and then decreased. The tear strength and hardness exhibited continuous increase with increasing the fiber content. Several microfibrillations between the fiber and NR matrix were observed from SEM images of the fractured surfaces of the treated UHMWPE fibers/NR composites, which meant that the interfacial adhesion strength was improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1215–1220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers were modified by oxidation in air, and a systematic study of surface groups and surface resistance at different treated temperatures was made. Progressive fiber weight loss occurred with increasing extents of air oxidation, and it was approximately proportional to the extent of air oxidation from the onset of oxidation up to 400°C. At this point 4.4% of the initial fiber weight had been lost. A faster loss of weight occurred as the extent of air oxidation increased from 400°C to 700°C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies (C 1s and O 1s) indicated that the oxygen/carbon atomic ratio rose rapidly from 2.64% (as-received carbon fiber) to 42.83% as the oxidation temperature was increased to 400°C. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the relative intensity of the peaks at about 3440 cm À1 from -OH stretching vibrations and at 1634 cm À1 from -C¼O stretching vibrations increased significantly at 400°C. FESEM micrographs showed that as-received fibers show relatively smooth surface. With oxidation temperature increasing, the fiber surface was rougher. The surface resistance of treated carbon fibers decreased obviously with increasing oxidation temperatures. The most decrease was about 100% at 400°C.
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