Solution impregnation of polyethylene fibre/polyethylene matrix composites

Abstract

A novel processing route for ultra high-modulus polyethylene fibre/low density polyethylene matrix composites has been developed. The processing route includes an impregnation step in a saturated matrix solution. The growth of a matrix layer on the fibre surfaces in such a solution is shown by SEM micrographs. Further processing steps are the preparation of prepregs and hot compacting to form PE/PE composites. In this work, unidirectional composites were prepared at three compacting temperatures. The influence of the final processing temperature is discussed. Mechanical testing showed a high Young's modulus and a high tensile strength. The composite compressive strength is comparatively low as a result of the low compressive strength of the PE fibre.