Effect of surface area on the interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fibers

The surface area change of UHMWPE fibers which underwent oxygen plasma treatment was measured as a function of plasma power and plasma treatment time. The interfacial adhesion of oxygen plasma treated UHMWPE fibers was evaluated via micro-droplet test and double cantilever beam test. Surface area increased with plasma treatment time at 30 and 60W, but showed a maximum at 100 and 150W. The interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fibers to vinylester resin exhibited the same trend as the surface area. SEM analysis revealed that oxygen plasma treatment roughened UHMWPE fibers by forming micro-pores leading: to increased surface area. However, 150W plasma treatment led to degradation of the fibers and thus resulted in failure within the fiber surface layers producing ribbon-like strips of fiber.