Long UHMWPE fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane composites: An investigation in mechanical properties

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of modified long ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers on the mechanical properties of its rigid polyurethane (RPU) plastic were investigated. The UHMWPE fibers were modified by chromic acid, and the physical and chemical changes of the fiber surface were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle test. The rigid polyurethane composites were prepared with 1 wt% original and modified UHMWPE fibers. Tensile and impact tests of the composites were studied, and the results showed that the modified UHMWPE fibers having a more positive effect on the mechanical properties of the composites than those of original UHMWPE fibers. The section morphology of specimens was investigated using SEM, and it was found that the interface bonding between the modified fibers and RPU matrix was better. The loss modulus and loss factor of RPU composites were found to decrease reinforced with the modified UHMWPE fibers.