Enhancing UV resistance of TiO2 reinforced Kevlar 29 fiber using Sol-Gel & Low-temperature Hydrothermal Processes

Mechanical properties of Kevlar fibers are significantly affected by their chemical structure when they are subjected to ultraviolet (UV) environment owing to photo degradation effect. In this work, Kevlar fibers are modified by means of impregnating with the titanium dioxide (TiO2) using low temperature hydrothermal process and dip coating methods. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum confirms that hydrothermal treated Kevlar fibers exhibited outstanding UV resistance among others. The UV durability of the TiO2 modified Kevlar fiber is carried out using accelerated photoageing method up to 180 hours. Results of the tensile test showed that the best tensile strength was demonstrated by the modified fiber.