Modification of snowboard base material and its effect over the adhesion to epoxy/glass fibre core

Abstract

In this work, the effect of different treatments over the adherence of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to a composite material (epoxy/ fibreglass), used as base and core of snowboards, respectively, was studied. The selected treatments were flame treatment, ultraviolet (UV) treatment and abrasion. Adhesion was assessed using lap shear tests. The results showed an increase in UHMWPE/composite adhesion of over six times with flame treatment, and a considerably lower increase with the abrasion. No increase in adhesion was detected with UV treatment. Scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry tests were performed to explain these changes.