Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibres

Zhou Y, Chen X, Wells G. Influence of yam gripping on the ballistic performance of woven fabrics from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre. Compos B Eng 2014 62 198-204. 

Fig. 2. Linear strength-diameter relationship for fully oriented ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre (Smook et al., 1984),...

Lemstra, P.J. Bastiaansen, C.W.M. Peijs, T. Jacobs, M.J.N. Fibres based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene—processing and applications. In Solid Phase Processing of Polymers, Ward, I.M., Coates, P.D., Dumolin, M.M., Eds. Hanser Gardner Publications, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio, 2000 Section 5.3, 173 pp. 

Aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene are used extensively as base materials for ballistic protection. As discussed earlier (section 7.3.1), these high performance fibres are characterised by high strength, high eneigy absorption, and low density. However, to meet the protection requirements for typical ballistic threats, approximately 13-50 layers of fabric are required, which results in a bulky and stiff armour. The bulk-iness limits its comfort and has resfiicted its appUcation primarily to torso protection. 

The materials selected used for this work are based in polypropylene (A), an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) (B, C, D) and an aramid fibre (E, F, G, H, I, J, K). The UHMWPE based materials B and C are made by the same manufacturer the main difference between them is their weight. The material based on aramid fibres (K) is from a different manufacturer than the materials E, E, G, H, I and J. The difference between them (E, E, G, H, I and J) is the number of layers. 

Lemstra PJ, Bastiaansen CWM, Peijs T, Jacobs MJN (2000) Fibres based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene - processing and applications. In Ward IM, Coates PD, Dumoulin MM (eds) Solid phase processing of polymers. Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich, p 172... 

Hofste JM, Schut JA, Pennings AJ. The effect of chromic acid treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of aramid fibre reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite. J Mater Sci 1998 October 9(10) 561-6. 

Earlier studies with this composite were based on the use of high performance polyethylene fibre (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) [78-82], However, in view of the high cost of this fibre, alternative options were considered, and PVA... 

Recently elastic polyolefin fibres have also been introduced (generic name lastol), they are cross-linked and stable at temperatures up to 220 °C and above.- High-tenacity polyethylene fibres, with ultra high molecular weight (UHMW-PE, Dyneema) have been available for some time they are produced by a gel-spinning process at high dilution. 

Aerospace composite structures can also employ high-performance polymeric fibres such as the aramids Kevlar (DuPont) or Twaron (Teijin Twaron), poly(p-phenyl-ene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) (Toyobo) and high-modulus polyethylene (PE) (Dynema, Certran and Spectra). Generally ultra-high-molecular-weight PE (UHMWPE) can be considered to be inert to most environments except that the service temperature is limited to <130 °C. 

Applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to polymer characterisation and microstructure include studies on the zwitterions-type polymer, poly(3-diethyl methylmethacryloyl ethyl) ammonium persulfonate grafted on to a silica surface by treatment of poly(2-dimethyl amino) ethyl methacrylate [2], polyaniline coated glass fibre fillers with different polyaniline contents [3], and also studies on ultra high molecular weight blends [4] and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-gamma ferric oxide composite films [5]. 

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