The influence of UV radiation and moisture on the mechanical properties and micro-structure of single Kevlar fibre using optical methods

Huaixi Wang, Huimin Xie*, Zhenxing Hu, Dan Wu, Pengwan Chen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The effects of external environments on the mechanical behaviour and surface micro-structure of single Kevlar fibre have been investigated. Wave diffraction theory and digital image correlation (DIC) were applied to measure the longitudinal and transverse strain of a single Kevlar fibre. The stability and credibility of transverse and longitudinal strain measurement results is guaranteed by averaging the intensity of some images and adopting an optical array extensometer respectively. The results show that the elastic modulus of a single fibre treated under UV irradiation and in water increased 30% and decreased 15% compared to that of untreated ones respectively, the surface roughness increases drastically to a maximum value and then gradually reduces to a stable value with increasing treatment time, which can provide guidance for further study of the interface performance of composite material.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1755-1761
Number of pages7
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume97
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2012

Keywords

  • Digital image correlation
  • Fraunhofer diffraction pattern
  • Mechanical properties
  • Micro-structure analysis
  • Single Kevlar fibre

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The influence of UV radiation and moisture on the mechanical properties and micro-structure of single Kevlar fibre using optical methods'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this