Structure and mechanical properties of self-reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene:

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene-based self-reinforced composite materials were studied. Surface of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers was modified by direct fluorination and nitric acid treatment. Structure and mechanical properties of self-reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene depending on the content and type of modified fibers were studied. It was shown that self-reinforcing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene allows to obtain materials with improved strength-elastic properties. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of the self-reinforced composite materials are more than three times higher than that of the unfilled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.