Low-velocity impact behavior of UHMWPE fabric/thermoplastic laminates with combined surface treatments of polydopamine and functionalized carbon nanotubes. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shanmugam, Logesh; Kazemi, M.E.; Li, Zhonghong; Luo, Wenjun; Xiang, Yong; Yang, Lei; Yang, Jinglei
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 22(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: UHMWPE fibers -- Surface treatment -- Fiber and matrix bonding -- Low-velocity impact
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2020.100527
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: Thermoplastic fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites play a significant role in industrial applications due to their high energy absorbing capability. Combining ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber/fabric and infusible thermoplastic methyl methacrylate (MMA) based matrix forms a complete thermoplastic composite system, which can fulfil the demands of being lightweight and high energy absorption during an impact loading. Among many different parameters, the interfacial bonding strength between fiber and matrix plays an important role in determining the impact performance of a composite system. In this study, the interfacial bonding strength between UHMWPE fibers and MMA thermoplastic matrix is improved by a simple deposition of polydopamine (PDA) surface treatment (on the fiber surface) with the addition of 0.03 wt% of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Experimental investigations were carried out to determine the low-velocity impact behavior on the pristine and PDA surface-treated thermoplastic composites at three different impact energies of 26 J, 32 J, and 50 J. The results after the impact test revealed that PDA and PDA with MWCNT fiber surface-treated composites offer less structural damage, thanks to the improved delamination resistance at the fiber and matrix interface when compared to that of the pristine composite at all different impact energies. Highlights: Combination of UHMWPE fiber and liquid Elium® thermoplastic resin forms a fullthermoplastic FRP composite. UHMWPE fiber surface was modified by the combination of PDA and MWCNT to enhance the Mode I delamination resistance. Mode I delamination resistance improved about 42.5% compared to that of pristine composite system. Lower impact damage observed due to the improved delamination resistance offered at the fiber/matrix interface.