Interfacial performance and impact resistance of argon plasma treated UHMWPE/STF inter-ply hybrid composites

Zixuan Liu,Huan Chen,Keyi Wang,Huchen Wang,Ruosi Yan,Xingyu Gao,Letian Li

doi:10.1177/15589250211043832

Abstract

This study explored the influence of low temperature glow discharged argon (Ar) plasma on interfacial performance and impact resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) inter-ply hybrid composites. The composites were composed of UHMWPE and meta-aramid plain woven laminates with shear thickening fluid (STF). Water contact angle and drop-weight resistance of the composites with various Ar plasma treatment parameters were tested to investigate the interfacial performance and impact properties of the composites. The tested treatment parameters of this study included treating time, treating power, and gas flow rate. It was found that the best interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE and the impact resistance of the composites was realized at the plasma treatment power of 100 W, treatment time of 150 s, and gas flow rate of 4 sccm. In the follow-up research, this study conducted ballistic test to further explore the bulletproof effect and application prospect of this material.

Highlights

Flexible protective composites have gradually become a research hotspot in the field of protective materials due to their light-weight, strong flexibility, and good protective effect.[1]
In terms of compounding with shear thickening fluid (STF) without plasma treatment (Figure 4(c)), the composites with 150 W– 60 s–4 sccm plasma treatment Figure 4(d)) were attached more SiO2 particles, which was because plasma treatment improved the surface roughness of the Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforcement
This study revealed that the surface of UHMWPE with Ar plasma treatment was mildly damaged

Summary

Introduction

Flexible protective composites have gradually become a research hotspot in the field of protective materials due to their light-weight, strong flexibility, and good protective effect.[1] Most composite materials used for impact resistance are prepared from fibers or fabrics with high toughness and tensile strength.[2] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has excellent mechanical properties including, low density, light weight, good toughness, high tensile strength, low moisture absorption, chemical resistance, and strong wear resistance.[3,4,5] These mechanical properties have made UHMWPE to be an ideal reinforcing component. UHMWPE has many shortcomings, such as low surface energy and poor heat resistance These lead to poor interfacial adhesion and hinder the development of high-performance UHMWPE composites.[5,6,7] it is necessary to modify UHMWPE surface to optimize the fiber adhesion. Plasma surface modification is a commonly used method to increase interfacial adhesion of the composites

Methods

Results

Conclusion