Improved mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with surface‐treated UHMWPE fibers

Abstract

The surface treatment of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber using potassium permanganate and the mechanical properties of its epoxy composites were studied. After treatment, many changes were happened in the fiber surface: more O‐containing groups (―OH, ―C═O, and ―C―O groups), drastically decreased contact angles with water and ethylene glycol, slightly increased melting point and crystallinity, and formed cracks. Different contents (0.1–0.5 wt%) ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers/epoxy composites were prepared. The results indicated that the surface treatment decreased the tensile strength of epoxy composites, but increased the bending strength. When the fiber content was 0.3 wt%, the above properties reached the maximum. At the same fiber content, the interlaminar shear strength of the composites was increased by 26.6% up to the as‐received fiber composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites suggested the storage modulus and tanδ were decreased due to the surface treatment. Fractured surface analysis confirmed that the potassium permanganate treatment was effective in improving the interface interaction.

Research progress on surface modification and application status of UHMWPE fiber

“…These various modification methods can be divided into four categories: 'dry' methods [1] (plasma treatment [6], corona treatment [3] and irradiation. ), strong oxidation [7], chemical grafting [8] and coating [9].…”

“…The results also show that the interface bonding effect between rigid polyurethane (RPU) matrix and the fiber is better among many matrix that the modified fiber can be applied to [22] . By introducing oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of UHMWPE fiber, the surface reactivity and energy are improved, which make it better to be wetted [7] . Furthermore, Li et al combined ultrasonication and chromic acid treatment to modify the surface of fibers, then processed UHMWPE-based composites by adding the treated fibers into natural rubber (NR) [23] .…”

“…W Li et al, immersed UHMWPE in the potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7, H2SO4, and H2O) [7] . The results show that the number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the fiber increases, the roughness increases and the contact angle decreases, which is similar to the effect of organic acid treatment.…”

Advanced hybrid materials from epoxy, oxidized UHMWPE fibers and silane surface modified silicon nitride nanoparticles

“…For instance, Li and coworkers reported the effect of UHMWPE fibers chemical modification using potassium permanganate solution on the mechanical properties of their related natural rubber and epoxy-based composites. 18,19 Recently, Han et al investigated the effect of corona modifications on the adhesion performances of UHMWPE fiber reinforced epoxy composites. 20 Huang et al published an interesting research in which the chemical and physical properties of argon plasma modified UHMWPE fibers were thoroughly discussed.…”

Toward an efficient stress transfer with a fully connected hybrid network from epoxy, oxidized UHMWPE fibers, and silane surface modified silicon carbide nanoparticles

“…[ 13 ] Subsequently, Li et al reported the effect of the UHMWPE fibers chemical modification using potassium permanganate solution on the mechanical properties of their related natural rubber and epoxy‐based composites. [ 14–15 ] Yukihiro Kusano et al published an interesting research in which the chemical and physical properties of plasma modified UHMWPE fibers were thoroughly discussed. [ 16 ] Finally, the polypyrrole was used as a coating agent to improve the overall properties of the UHMWPE‐based composites.…”