Accession Number:

ADA505762

Title:

Tunable Interfaces in Fiber Reinforced-Polymer Composites Using Plasma Surface Treatments

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

DREXEL UNIV PHILADELPHIA PA DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Yim, Jacqueline H.
• Fridman, Alexander
• Palmese, Giuseppe R.
• Pappas, D. D.
• Kissounko, Denis

Report Date:

2008-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

Fibers incorporated into polymer matrices suffer from poor adhesion at the fiber-resin interface. In ballistic materials such as body armor, it is imperative that the fiber-resin interface is strengthened for superior energy absorbing capabilities. To address this need, fibers are typically subjected to surface modifications. The overall aim of this work is to establish a methodology of controlling the interfacial adhesion by controlling the degree of chemical bonding between the fiber and the resin. In this study, plasma surface treatments were applied to ultra high molecular weight polyethylene UHMW-PE fibers to introduce chemical functionalities to promote covalent bonding. Nitrogen and oxygen plasmas were used and changes imposed by the plasma were characterized using surface analytical techniques. The adhesional strength and energy absorption of the plasma-modified fibersepoxy interface were assessed using a single-fiber microdroplet shear test. FTIR and XPS reveal the existence of four main chemical groups - hydroxyl, carboxylic, carbonyl and amine groups. Characterization of the interface showed that a six-fold increase of the interfacial shear strength IFSS can be attained from plasma treating the fibers.

Descriptors:

• *FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES
• *ADHESION
• *INTERFACES
• PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• COVALENT BONDS
• SYNTHETIC FIBERS
• POLYETHYLENE
• PLASTICS
• POLYMERS
• SHEAR STRENGTH
• SYMPOSIA

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE