Abstract
The melting and relaxation behaviour of chain-extended polyethylene/epoxy composites was studied. Using X-ray, DSC and birefringence techniques, it was shown that chain-extended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene can be constrained fairly effectively by embedding in an epoxy resin, to prevent complete melting of the polyethylene far above the equilibrium melting point. Although the X-ray results look quite promising with respect to preservation of chain orientation in the fibres, both DSC and birefringence measurements indicate the presence of some relaxation/melting if the sample is heated above the orthorhombic to hexagonal transition point at 155°C. This solid-solid phase transition within the PE fibres is detrimental for the mechanical properties and consequently for the composite structure as a whole and sets an upper limit to the maximum use temperature.
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Van Aerle, N., Lemstra, P. Chain-Extended Polyethylene in Composites —Melting and Relaxation Behaviour—. Polym J 20, 131–141 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1295/polymj.20.131
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1295/polymj.20.131