Radiation-induced grafted UHMW–PE chopped fibers as reinforcing filler in polychloroprene

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) has been grafted with acrylonitrile using gamma radiation. The graft yield of the monomer was controlled by the proper choice of radiation dose and monomer concentration. The grafted chopped fibers were introduced in polychloroprene (CR) rubber mixes in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix. It has been found that the improvement in the mechanical properties of rubber composites obtained depended markedly on the fiber concentration in the rubber mixture. Scanning electron micrographs showed the presence of a continuous phase of rubber adhered to the surface of grafted fiber. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.