Research progress on surface modification and application status of UHMWPE fiber

Abstract

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is a high-performance material with superior properties of high strength and modulus, low density, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. But the development of UHMWPE fiber reinforced polymers is hindered due to its inert inactive surface and poor interfacial adhesion with polymer matrix. This work presents the research progress on surface modification techniques, including ‘dry’ treatment, strong oxidant treatment, chemical grafting and coating, of UHMWPE fiber and the mechanisms of the improvement on surface properties and interfacial adhesion strength between the UHMWPE fiber and the polymer matrix. Application status of UHMWPE fiber such as aerospace, ocean engineering and individual protection is introduced.

Feasibility of Repairing Concrete with Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber Cloth: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…Dry modification refers to modification methods that do not involve chemical solutions, including plasma treatment, corona treatment, and irradiation. The surface of UHMWPE can be modified by argon plasma fields [105][106][107][108][109][110][111]. Huang et al [108] modified the surface of UHMWPE by argon plasma treatment at different treatment times, as shown in Figure 5.…”

“…The irradiation techniques not only belong to crosslinking but also surface modification. The wet chemical techniques are widespread due to their simple and convenient operation, including chemical etching [113], chemical grafting [114], and coating [110]. After soaking UHMWPE in modified acid and combining it with epoxy, the resulting composite material exhibits higher strength, modulus, and bending properties [115].…”

“…After applying a polydopamine (PDA) coating to the surface of UHMWPE, the fiber/matrix bonding strength can increase by approximately 42.50% compared to conventional composite materials [117]. The wet chemical techniques are widespread due to their simple and convenient operation, including chemical etching [113], chemical grafting [114], and coating [110]. After soaking UHMWPE in modified acid and combining it with epoxy, the resulting composite material exhibits higher strength, modulus, and bending properties [115].…”

All-Fabric Triboelectric Nanogenerator (AF-TENG) Smart Face Mask: Remote Long-Rate Breathing Monitoring and Apnea Alarm

“…In this work, the eco-friendly all-fabric TENG is based on the use of both cotton and UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene)-based systems, fabricated with economically viable methods and feasible long-scale fabrication. UHMWPE is a potential material for its biocompatibility and biosafety, with high resistance and strength, and is barely employed as triboelectric material despite its high negative charge affinity, which can be obtained and purchased from industry as its fabrics are used in clothing . This AF-TENG has been included into a prototype face mask, and it is capable of detecting the presence of fully autonomous breathing, which can detect an instant safety hazard such as the absence of breathing (apnea), sending a warning message using a system based on an Arduino microcontroller.…”

“…UHMWPE is a potential material for its biocompatibility and biosafety, with high resistance and strength, 30 and is barely employed as triboelectric material despite its high negative charge affinity, 31 which can be obtained and purchased from industry as its fabrics are used in clothing. 32 This AF-TENG has been included into a prototype face mask, and it is capable of detecting the presence of fully autonomous breathing, which can detect an instant safety hazard such as the absence of breathing (apnea), sending a warning message using a system based on an Arduino microcontroller. Furthermore, this AF-TENG face mask system is capable of monitoring in real time the presence of breathing and sending this information thanks to the IoT network and telecommunications remotely and wirelessly.…”