RADIATION-INDUCED GRAFTED UHMW-PE CHOPPED FIBERS AS REINFORCING FILLER IN POLYCHLOROPRENE

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) has been grafted wit h acrylonitrile using gamma radiation. The graft yield of the monomer was controlled by the proper choice of radiation dose and monomer conc entration. The grafted chopped fibers were introduced in polychloropre ne (CX) rubber mixes in order to improve the interfacial adhesion betw een fibers and matrix. It has been found that the improvement in the m echanical properties of rubber composites obtained depended markedly o n the fiber concentration in the rubber mixture. Scanning electron mic rographs showed the presence of a continuous phase of rubber adhered t o the surface of grafted fiber. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.