Low-velocity impact responses of UHMWPE fiber/epoxy laminates with plasma treatment and polypyrrole grafting

Abstract

The physical–chemical method with plasma treatment and polypyrrole grafting was used to improve the low velocity impact resistance of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber/epoxy laminates. The experimental impact force–time curves and impact force-central displacement curves were recorded. The microscopic void distribution of impact region was quantitatively counted by high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). Then the residual compressive strengths for the laminates after low velocity impact were explored. Experimental results showed that the impact resistance and residual strength of the laminates treated by the combined plasma treatment and polypyrrole grafting were significantly improved by comparing with the plasma treatment alone, and the void fraction also reduced remarkably. In addition, the impact resistance with single physical plasma treatment method was more affected by the mixture ratio of nitrogen and oxygen.