The Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE Fiber-Knitted Composites

Abstract

UHMWPE fiber weft-knitted fabric was modified using a VARTM liquid oxidation molding process. The matrix was epoxy resin. The layer was prepared with vertical symmetry by knitting composite layers 10 and 16 with the unmodified and modified plain weft-knitted fabric of the composite using the two-layer blessing method. Three-point unconstrained bearings were used to conduct tensile and bending tests, and tensile stress-strain curves were obtained using Origin software. Finally, the modification results were observed using a TM3030 scanning electric microscope (SEM). The SEM results reveal longitudinal notches on the treated fiber surface, which improved the interface adhesion to the resin. However, the single yarn strength was reduced by approximately one fifth. After the modification, the knitted fabric's maximum tensile strength increased by 37.7%, and the maximum tensile strength increased by 46.35 percent. The maximum bending force increased by 37.3–53%, and the maximum bending load increased by 53.3–62 percent.