TY - JOUR
T1 - Compatibilization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers and their composites for superior mechanical performance
T2 - A concise review
AU - Shelly, Daksh
AU - Lee, Seul Yi
AU - Park, Soo Jin
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2024/4/15
Y1 - 2024/4/15
N2 - In the industrial sector, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are often recognized as superlative reinforcement owing to their unmatchable characteristics like impressive toughness, exceptional weight-to-strength ratio, low density, excellent wear, and chemical resistance. The remarkable features of UHMWPE fiber/polymer composites have gained substantial attention, rendering them ideal for advanced engineering materials. Despite this, advancements in developing high-performance UHMWPE fiber polymer composites have been constrained by the fiber's smooth and chemically inert surface, resulting in a weak interface between UHMWPE and the polymer matrix. Numerous techniques have emerged to enhance the surface of UHMWPE fibers, aiming to bolster the fiber-polymer matrix interface. These modifications amplify surface chemical activity and roughness, thus achieving robust mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding. This review paper aims to elucidate how the physical and chemical surface modifications of UHMWPE fibers fortify the interface with polymer matrices. Researchers can leverage the presented techniques to design advanced composites with improved performance and durability. This article provides a concise overview of current developments in various surface modification techniques for UHMWPE fibers and their role as polymer reinforcements. Last, ongoing challenges and potential research directions in UHMWPE reinforced FRPCs are also discussed.
AB - In the industrial sector, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are often recognized as superlative reinforcement owing to their unmatchable characteristics like impressive toughness, exceptional weight-to-strength ratio, low density, excellent wear, and chemical resistance. The remarkable features of UHMWPE fiber/polymer composites have gained substantial attention, rendering them ideal for advanced engineering materials. Despite this, advancements in developing high-performance UHMWPE fiber polymer composites have been constrained by the fiber's smooth and chemically inert surface, resulting in a weak interface between UHMWPE and the polymer matrix. Numerous techniques have emerged to enhance the surface of UHMWPE fibers, aiming to bolster the fiber-polymer matrix interface. These modifications amplify surface chemical activity and roughness, thus achieving robust mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding. This review paper aims to elucidate how the physical and chemical surface modifications of UHMWPE fibers fortify the interface with polymer matrices. Researchers can leverage the presented techniques to design advanced composites with improved performance and durability. This article provides a concise overview of current developments in various surface modification techniques for UHMWPE fibers and their role as polymer reinforcements. Last, ongoing challenges and potential research directions in UHMWPE reinforced FRPCs are also discussed.
KW - Fiber/matrix bond
KW - Mechanical properties
KW - Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
KW - Surface treatments
KW - UHMWPE fibers
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85185405291&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111294
DO - 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111294
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85185405291
SN - 1359-8368
VL - 275
JO - Composites Part B: Engineering
JF - Composites Part B: Engineering
M1 - 111294
ER -