Tensile behavior of polyethylene fiber composites with polyethylene fiber surface-modified using ion irradiation

Surface modification of polyethylene fibers using ion-assisted reaction method, was investigated. Effect of surface modification on the tensile behavior of polyethylene fiber composites was also analyzed. It was observed that tensile strength and tensile stiffness of the polyethylene-fiber/ vinylester composites can be improved if polyethylene fibers are surface-modified by Ar+ ion irradiation in an oxygen environment. It is concluded that the enhancement in the tensile properties of polethylene fiber composites is due to the formation of hydrophilic C=O functional group on the surface of the polethylene fibers.