Effect of surface modifications on the properties of UHMWPE fibres and their composites

Abstract

In this study, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres, modified by acetic acid, sulfuric acid and water at a ratio of 20:25:2 for different time periods and modified UHMWPE/EP composites were prepared. The micromorphology, chemical composition, contact angle, H sample extraction, tensile properties and bending performance of the composite material of the UHMWPE fibres before and after modification were tested and analysed. The results show that, after the UHMWPE fibres were treated with the modified liquid, the surface roughness of the fibre increased, the contact angle decreased, and the surface chemical composition and species significantly changed; the mechanical properties of the composites are best when the fibres were treated for 9 min. For the same fibre content, the specific strength, specific modulus and bending load of UHMWPE composites treated for 9 min were increased by 16.7%, 82.9% and 55.3%, respectively, compared with untreated samples.