Composites of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibres in a low-density polyethylene matrix: II. Fibre/matrix adhesion

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 59; no. 6; pp. 879 - 882
• Main Authors: Devaux, E., Cazé, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-01-1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Applied sciences; B. Debonding; B. Fibre/matrix bond; B. Interface; B. Interfacial strength; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); B. Interfacial strength; B. Debonding; B. Fibre/matrix bond; B. Interface; Polyethylene; Synthetic fiber; Fiber reinforced material; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Surface treatment; High modulus fiber; Interface properties; Low density ethylene polymer; Matrix fiber interface; Glass fiber; Comparative study
• DOI: 10.1016/S0266-3538(98)00126-2
• EISSN: 1879-1050
• ISSN: 0266-3538

The difference between the melting points of high-performance polyethylene fibre and low-density polyethylene matrix permits the use of this fibre in a composite application on account of the high chemical compatibility of the two components. In this paper, we have measured the interfacial shear stresses of the composite material by means of a micromechanical test. The results show that the adhesion is markedly increased when polyethylene fibres are substituted for glass fibres in a polyethylene matrix. Moreover, chemical treatment of the polyethylene fibre surface favours adhesion by eliminating the weak boundary layer present on the surface. Nevertheless, the thermal processing conditions of the composite material, and the surface treatment cause a slight reduction in the mechanical behaviour of the reinforcing filler.