Improved inter-yarn friction and ballistic impact performance of zinc oxide nanowire coated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2021-09, Vol.231, p.124125, Article 124125
• Main Authors: Steinke, Kelsey, Sodano, Henry A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abrasion; Absorption; Ballistic; Energy; Energy absorption; Fabrics; Failure modes; Friction; Impact response; Inter-yarn friction; Molecular weight; Nanotechnology; Nanowires; Oxygen plasma; Polyethylene; Strength to weight ratio; Textile composites; Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); Warp yarns; Weft; Woven fabrics; Yarn pullout; Zinc coatings; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxide nanowires; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.124125

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) woven fabrics have been shown to possess a high strength-to-weight ratio, low density, high-energy absorption, and abrasion-resistant properties. When subjected to dynamic impact, the primary failure mode of UHMWPE woven fabric is yarn pullout, which results from poor inter-yarn friction between the weft and warp yarns. This work investigates the potential use of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs), which are grown on plasma functionalized UHMWPE woven fabric, to improve the inter-yarn friction, energy absorption, and impact response of the fabric. Yarn pullout testing is used to evaluate the inter-yarn friction of ZnO NW coated UHMWPE fabric that was treated with oxygen plasma for 30 s. This testing demonstrates a 663.5% increase in friction, while the pullout energy increased by 822.9%, relative to neat UHMWPE fabric. The improved inter-yarn friction results in a 59.13% higher V50 ballistic limit, while the energy absorbed during impact increased by 227%, relative to neat fabric. This work demonstrates a new approach to yield-improved ballistic performance of woven UHMWPE fabrics, which can further the fabric's utilization in the creation of soft body armor. [Display omitted] •Zinc oxide nanowire coated woven ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabric.•Enhanced zinc oxide nanowire adhesion by oxygen plasma functionalization.•Improved inter-yarn friction and pullout energy of fabric by yarn-pullout testing.•Improved ballistic limit and energy absorption of woven fabric by impact testing.