Abstract
Controlled hydroperoxidation of commercial ultra-high modulus polyethylene (UHMPE) fibers has been used to provide grafting sites for the styrene crosslinking reaction of an unsaturated polyester resin. This has provided a covalent bond between the reinforcing fiber and matrix of the composite material so maximizing the interfacial adhesion. By using chemiluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the nature of the oxidized surface of UHMPE, the treatment was optimized for hydroperoxide formation. This yielded the highest fiber-resin bond as determined by yarn pullout force. Commercial corona discharge treatment resulted in a lower bond strength which was attributed to a weak outer layer of highly oxidized material. This produced fiber slippage as indicated by scanning electron microscopy, in contrast to matrix cracking and interior shear of the fiber on pullout of the hydroperoxidized material.
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