Enhancement on interlaminar shear strength and tribological properties in water of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene/glass fabric/phenolic laminate composite by surface modification of fillers

• Treatment on fillers greatly enhanced interfacial bond in laminate.
• Treatment on fillers improved ILSS and tribological properties of the laminate.
• Combined treatments were more effective than the single treatment.
• Treatment on fillers improved the duration of the laminate in water environment.

The ternary laminate composite of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/high strength glass fabric (S-glass fabric)/phenolic resin was prepared, in which UHMWPE microparticles were etched by chromic acid and S-glass fabrics were treated by silane coupling agent. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tribological properties of the composite in water environment were investigated, in comparison with those of the composite without any treatments on fillers and the composite with single treatment on UHMWPE. Results showed that the composite with the combined treatment exhibited the best interfacial bond, accordingly showing remarkably enhanced water repellency, ILSS and tribological properties under water lubrication. Furthermore, after experiencing 48 h water immersion, the composites with both single and combined treatment did not suffer any degradation of ILSS and water-lubricated tribological performances, showing excellent duration in water environment.