A study on ultraviolet irradiation modification of high-density polyethylene and its effect in the compatibility of HDPE/PVA fibre composites

摘要

Oxygen-containing groups such as C―O, C=O and C(=O)O were introduced onto the molecular chain of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by ultraviolet irradiation in air. The content of these groups increases with irradiation time. After irradiation, the molecular weight and melting temperature of HDPE decrease, and the degree of crystallinity and hydrophilicity increase. Adding a small amount of irradiated HDPE to the HDPE/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre composites can improve their mechanical properties. Compared with that of HDPE/PVA fibre (85/15) composite, the yield and impact strength of HDPE/PVA fibre (75/15) composites made compatible with 10% wt. of HDPE irradiated for 48 h are increased from 32.6 MPa and 480 J/m to 40.5 MPa and 532 J/m, respectively.