On the mechanical and morphological properties of highly performant composite laminates based on epoxy resin and oxidized ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers

In this study, new high-performance composite laminates were prepared from epoxy resin and surface modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The UHMWPE fibers underwent two types of chemical modifications, namely through chromic acid and potassium permanganate oxidations. The adopted chemical procedure aimed the grafting of polar groups on the outer surface of fibers for an improved chemical and physical compatibility with the polymeric matrix. The efficiency of the grafting methodology was confirmed by vibrational, thermal, and morphological analyses, and the grafting mechanism was thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, composite laminates were prepared to study the effects of chemical treatments on the mechanical and morphological properties of the resulting composites. The grafting techniques allowed consequent improvements in the tensile and bending properties, up to 34% and 23% for the tensile and flexural strengths, respectively. The study of the fractured surfaces confirmed the exceptional compatibility between the fillers and the polymeric matrix and further corroborated the mechanical findings. Finally, the adopted modification techniques can be regarded as cost-effective and highly suitable for the manufacturing of structural composites for advanced applications.