Tailoring the interface in polyethylene fiber/matrix composites: surface-entangled interfacial layer

The material properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and of high-performance fibers fabricated from, it are unique among polymeric materials which exhibit high modulus and strength. However, the joint utilization of UHMWPE fibers and matrix in a composite, suffers from several drawbacks. Most notable is the poor adhesion between fibers and matrix. We investigate a physical method for improvement of the interfacial adhesion between UHMWPE fibers and matrix, based on the formation of an interfacial layer, which is physically entangled with the surface of the fiber and crystallized on it together with the matrix material. As a result, strong interfacial adhesion is obtained, which allows utilization of all-UHMWPE composites having unique properties.