Enhanced interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fibers by alkali treatment and its behavior to PI resins

The effect of alkali treatment on the UHMWPE fiber and interface of its composites was evaluated by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, single-fiber tensile strength analysis, and dynamic contact angle analysis. The objective of this work is to improve the interlaminar shear strength of the composites by mixing the PI resin and modifying the UHMWPE fibers. Surface analysis showed that after treatment, the surface roughness and the wetting ability of UHMWPE fiber were increased. Results indicated that the alkali treatment plays a more important role in improving the surface property and interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fibers’ composites