ECPE fibers

Scanning and transmission electron microscopies show that CNTs were coated with a homogeneous layer of ECPs (up to 50 nm). In the case of the composites based on TEG, ECP fibers with diameters up to 1 pm are observed on the TEG particles. 

High-modulus graphite and carbon fibers, aramid fibers and ECPE fibers are playing a more and more important role in RPs. Boron filaments, with outstanding tensile strengths, are usually used in the form of prepreg tapes and have been primarily evaluated for the aerospace and aircraft industry. 

Extended-Chain Polyethylene Fibers (ECPE) fibers are relatively recent entrants into the high-performance fibers field. Spectra ECPE, the first commercially available ECPE fiber and the first in... 

The chief application areas being explored and commercialized for ECPE fibers are divided between traditional fiber applications and high-tech composite applications. The former include sailcloth, marine ropes, cables, sewing thread, nettings, and protective clothing. The latter includes impact shields, ballistics, radomes, medical implants, sports equipment, pressure vessels, and boat hulls. 

ECPE fibers (such as Spectra 1,000) are well suited for high-performance yachting sails, offering, in addition, resistance to sea water and to typical cleaning solutions used in the sailing industry, such as bleach. The major sport equipment applications to date have been canoes, kayaks, and snow and water skis. Numerous other sport applications are under development. 

The radome (radome protective domes) market is also important for ECPE fibers. ECPE composite systems act as a shield that is virtually transparent to microwave signals, even in high-frequency regimes. 

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