Properties Of UHMWPE Fiber Reinforced Composites

In order to improve the interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fiber/polymer matrix, a new thermosetting resin system, named PCH, which is only composed of carbon and hydrogen elements, has been developed according to law of similar mutual solubility and the structural characteristics of UHMWPE fiber. The adhesion property was investigated by mechanical properties test, thermal performance test, and polymer solution properties test. Test results show that a strong interaction occurs between UHMWPE fiber and the PCH matrix due to the structural and polar similarity. In the case of slight difference between solubility parameters of UHMWPE fiber and cured PCH resin, it is found that the wettability of PCH resin on surface of the fiber can be improved and the difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the matrix and the fiber decreases with the increase of styrene added into the PCH. An optimal interfacial adhesion can be obtained as the ratio of PCH/styrene is approximately 55/45. In this work, UHMWPE fiber/PCH composites with different ratios of PCH/styrene were prepared and the impact resistance, dynamic mechanical properties and dielectric properties of UHMWPE fiber/PCH composites were investigated. The interlaminar shear failure characteristic of composites was analyzed by introducing a series of energy indexes indicating the energy absorbed in interlaminar she (?) failure process. UHMWPE fiber/PCH composites have excellent impact property, and the impact strength can reach 140.8kJ/m2 as the ratio of PCH/styrene is 60/40. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that UHMWPE fiber/PCH composites have high storage moduli (E') and low dissipation factor (tanδ) and these properties are obviously influenced by the interfacial adhesion. UHMWPE fiber/PCH composites have low dielectric constant (2.20<ε'<2.55) and dielectric loss tangent (1.50×10-3