Surface Modification of Ultrahigh-molecular-weight Polyethylene Fibers with Coupling Agent during Extraction Process |
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Authors: | Yi Zhang Junrong Yu Lei Chen Jing Zhu Zuming Hu |
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Institution: | State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials , Donghua University , Shanghai, P. R. China |
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Abstract: | Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers were treated with a coupling agent following the extraction of gel fibers, resulting in modified fibers after subsequent ultra-drawing. The structure and morphology of the modified UHMWPE fibers were characterized and their surface wetting, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical properties were investigated. It was found that the coupling agent was absorbed into the UHMWPE fiber and trapped on the fiber surface. Compared with unmodified UHMWPE fibers, the modified fibers had smaller contact angle, higher crystallinity, and smaller crystal size. The interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers were significantly improved with increasing coupling agent concentration and gradually reached a plateau value. After treatment with 1.5 wt% solution of a silane coupling agent (γ -aminopropyl triethoxysilane, SCA-KH-550), the interfacial shear strength of the UHMWPE-fiber/epoxy composites was increased by 108% and the tensile strength and modulus of modified UHMWPE fibers were increased by 11% and 37% respectively. |
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Keywords: | ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers coupling agent extraction process surface modification interfacial shear strength mechanical properties |
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