Study on The Modification of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber with Polar Polymers

Abstract

Due to the non-polar nature of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), surface modification was needed to improve the adhesion of UHMWPE fibers. In this paper, UHMWPE gel fibers were treated with a solution of polar polymer during the extracting process, then the modified UHMWPE fibers were made after multi-step hot drawing. The physical and chemical changes in the fiber structure were examined with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion properties of modified UHMWPE fibers were investigated with tensile testing. The results showed that polar groups were introduced into the surface of UHMWPE fiber during the treatment process; this could improve the interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fibers without damaging the excellent mechanical properties of fibers. The interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fiber with epoxy resin increased with increasing draw ratio. It was shown that ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is an effective modifier. After modification, the shear strength of the interface between the modified UHMWPE fiber and epoxy increased by 100%, and the integrated mechanical properties of the modified UHMWPE fibers were also optimum.