The mechanical properties of surface treated UHMWPE fibers and TiO2 reinforced PMMA composite

Mechanical properties of hybrid PMMA composites reinforced with UHMWPE fiber and nano-titanium dioxide (2, 4, 6, and 8wt%) was investigated. In this work, the effect of UHMWPE fiber surface treatment on tensile, flexural, and impact properties of PMMA composites was studied. The fiber loadings were varied from 0% to 20%. The addition of UHMWPE fiber had caused a decline in the tensile strength of the PMMA composite. Results revealed that the presence of titanium dioxide on the surface treated UHMWPE fiber has further enhanced the efficiency of stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber thus improved the interfacial adhesion between the UHMWPE fiber and PMMA matrix.