Reinforcement of polymers of 2,2 bis-4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl propane by ultra-high modulus polyethylene fibres

A study has been made of the reinforcement of 2,2 bis-4(2 hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl propane/tetra-hydrofurfuryl methacrylate copolymers with ultra-high modulus polyethylene fibres. The fibres were orientated longitudinally, in loadings up to 50% w/w, and both untreated and surface treated fibres were studied. Modulii up to approximately 35 GPa were achieved in the axial direction, and the specimens could not be broken in the simple flexure test employed. Electron microscopy of fractured specimens showed extremely good contact between resin and fibre. No deterioration in properties was observed over 6 months in water.