Plasma-treated ultra-high strength polyethylene fibers. Part I. Characterization by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis

Use of ultra-high strength polyethylene (UHSPE) fibers in composites has been limited by problems with adhesion to the matrix. In this study we present a gas plasma treatment of UHSPE fibers (Spectra 900™ and 1000™) to improve adhesion in poly(methyl methacrylate). The gases used were nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide for treatment times of 0, 1, 5, and 10 min. Significant improvements in fiber wettability were attributed to the addition of polar groups to the surface, as characterized by ESCA. No change in surface topography was seen at magnifications up to 2000 x .