Enhanced interfacial shear strength in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene epoxy composites through a zinc oxide nanowire interphase

The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites are largely dictated by fiber-matrix interactions, where a well-adhered interface is desired. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers suffer from poor interfacial properties due to their smooth and inert surface. Therefore, enhancing the interfacial properties of such composites will lead to an increased use in structural applications where high modulus, tenacity, low density, high impact and abrasion resistance properties are needed. In this work, an interfacial modification process consisting of an oxygen plasma surface functionalization followed by the grafting of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) onto the UHMWPE fiber surface is investigated to improve the fiber-matrix interaction in UHMWPE composites. The UHMWPE fiber surface is subjected to varying oxygen plasma treatment durations such that the surface oxygen content can be increased to improve ZnO NW adhesion. Through single fiber pullout testing, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of oxygen plasma functionalized and ZnO NW coated UHMWPE fibers was shown a maximum increase of 135% with a 30 s plasma treatment prior to ZnO NWs. This increase in IFSS is attributed to an increased surface area interaction and mechanical interlocking between the fiber and matrix. The results detailed in this work demonstrate a benign, simple, and effective way to significantly improve the interfacial properties of UHMWPE fiber reinforced composites.