A study of the influence of controlled corona treatment on UHMWPE fibres in reinforced vinylester composites

In order to illuminate the mechanisms of corona discharge treatment on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre, the effects of corona treatment power and time are discussed in detail. The surface-roughness and tensile-failure characteristics of the polyethylene fibre were determined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The photos from the SEM showed that the size and number of the micro-pits on the fibre surface increase with increase of corona power. The oxygen-containing groups on the fibre surface could be detected by Fourier-transform infrared attenuated total reflectance and also increased gradually with increase of corona power. The T-peel strength of composites increased from the corona treatment, and then showed a maximum value at a corona treatment time about 0.1s with increase of treatment time. However, the tensile strength of the fibre was reduced with increase of corona power and the failure mechanism obviously changed after the treatment. The ballistic impact energy absorption of UHMWPE fibre/vinylester composite was obtained after fragment simulating projectiles (FSP) impact tests. After 6-kW corona treatment for 0.075 s, the impact energy absorbed by the laminate reached a maximum value. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.