In this study, new high-performance composite laminates were prepared from epoxy resin and surface modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The UHMWPE fibers underwent two types of chemical modifications, namely through chromic acid and potassium permanganate oxidations. The adopted chemical procedure aimed the grafting of polar groups on the outer surface of fibers for an improved chemical and physical compatibility with the polymeric matrix. The efficiency of the grafting methodology was confirmed by vibrational, thermal, and morphological analyses, and the grafting mechanism was thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, composite laminates were prepared to study the effects of chemical treatments on the mechanical and morphological properties of the resulting composites. The grafting techniques allowed consequent improvements in the tensile and bending properties, up to 34% and 23% for the tensile and flexural strengths, respectively. The study of the fractured surfaces confirmed the exceptional compatibility between the fillers and the polymeric matrix and further corroborated the mechanical findings. Finally, the adopted modification techniques can be regarded as cost-effective and highly suitable for the manufacturing of structural composites for advanced applications.

中文翻译：

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基于环氧树脂和氧化超高分子量聚乙烯纤维的高性能复合层压板的力学和形态性能

在这项研究中，新型高性能复合层压板由环氧树脂和表面改性超高分子量聚乙烯 (UHMWPE) 纤维制成。UHMWPE 纤维经历了两种化学改性，即通过铬酸和高锰酸钾氧化。所采用的化学程序旨在在纤维的外表面上接枝极性基团，以改善与聚合物基质的化学和物理相容性。通过振动、热和形态分析证实了接枝方法的效率，并深入讨论了接枝机制。此外，制备复合层压板以研究化学处理对所得复合材料的机械和形态特性的影响。接枝技术使拉伸和弯曲性能得到了相应的改善，拉伸和弯曲强度分别提高了 34% 和 23%。断裂表面的研究证实了填料和聚合物基体之间的特殊相容性，并进一步证实了机械发现。最后，所采用的改性技术可以被视为具有成本效益且非常适合制造用于高级应用的结构复合材料。