Abstract
Polyketone fiber can be used for reinforcing mechanical rubber goods (MRG) such as hoses, tire cords, protective gloves, and ropes. However, the reactivity of the surface of polyketone fibers decreases with a high crystallization of the polyketone fiber. Hence, modification of the surface of polyketone fiber is essential for improving the surface functionality and the fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion. In this study, dopamine treatment has been employed for modifying the polyketone fiber surface in order to improve the adhesion between polyketone fiber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Chemical composition of the modified fiber surface was examined using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), attenuated total reflectance-infrared spectroscopy ((ATR)-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Adhesion properties with the rubber were examined by an H-adhesion test. Surface energy and surface morphology were evaluated using contact angle and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) measurements, respectively. A polydopamine layer was formed on the polyketone fiber surface after dopamine treatment, thereby changing the surface energy via the oxidation polymerization of dopamine.
