Formation of adhesive phase onto high strength and modulus PE fiber by PE solution treatment for making PE fiber-reinforced PE composite

The method for the formation of adhesive phase onto polyethylene (PE) fiber surface by passage of the PE fiber through hot PE solutions has been investigated for making composite materials reinforced by the PE fibers. When the PE fiber is treated by the low density PE (LDPE) solution in o-xylene in the range of 120 to 135°C, the tensile strength of the PE fiber is maintained at that of the original PE fiber. Adhesive strength between the PE fiber surface and LDPE phase formed on the PE fiber through the hot PE solution is found to be so high that the PE fiber itself is torn off. The application of the present method to PE fiber-reinforced PE composites will be expected.