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Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is considered as an ideal reinforcing component due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, good toughness and high chemical and wear resistance. However, poor interfacial adhesion with polymer matrices has hindered the development of UHMWPE-based composites with high performance. This review is intended to understand how physical and chemical changes of fiber surface promote the adhesion strengthening mechanisms at the interface and to guide future developments using the presented modifications’ techniques. The review summarized the present state of the art research on surface modification of UHMWPE fiber and UHMWPE/polymer interfacial properties. Various surface modifications of UHMWPE fiber categorized as ‘wet’ chemical and ‘dry’ techniques have been detailed with appropriate examples. Also, the relationship between fiber/matrix adhesion and mechanical properties of the composites has been reviewed. Lastly, an overview of the potential and challenges of each modification method has been discussed.
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