A universal strategy for rapid and scalable surface modification of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber

Abstract

The high performance UHMWPE fiber usually demonstrates extremely poor surface adhesion with resin matrix. Therefore, improving the interfacial adhesion property becomes one of the toughest challenges faced by UHMWPE fibers. In this study, a simple and universal surface welding strategy is promoted to effectively modifying UHMWPE fiber with improved surface adhesion in a short time. The surface welding manufacturing approach is realized by the controllable Joule heating generated from the high contact resistance and rapid thermal response of the conductive nano-material layer coated on UHMWPE surface, which can locally melt the UHMWPE fiber surface and weld the nano materials on UHMWE with a strong and robust mechanical bonding. Since the whole welding process is simple and lasts only for a few seconds, it can be easily applied to the current industrial UHMWPE fiber and fabric manufacturing, enabling a continuous, fast, efficiency and scalable roll-to-roll UHMWPE surface modification process.