ABSTRACT
Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers have excellent mechanical properties [1], The density of gel-spun UHMWPE fibers is only 0.97 g/cm3, less than water. As a result, they have the highest specific ("per weight" basis) mechanical properties among all commercial fibers used for reinforcement [2]. UHMWPE fibers also exhibit good chemical resistance, since their chemical composition consists solely of inert saturated hydrocarbon. In spite of having excellent mechanical properties, use of UHMWPE fibers in advanced composites
has been limited because of their poor bonding to most resins, a result of their inert chemical nature, low surface energy and smooth surface.
