Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
History
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) was first polymerized in the 1950’s. The first UHMWPE fibers were commercialized in the late 1970’s.
Composition
UHMWPE is a type of polyolefin that is composed of very long chains of polyethylene with a very high percentage of parallel orientation and high level of crystallinity. The extremely long polymer chains enable load transfer by strengthening intermolecular interactions. UHMWPE fibers are manufactured in a gel spinning process.
Manufacturers
Avient
Honeywell™
Other suppliers
Common Types & Deniers
Spectra: S900, S1000
Dyneema: SK62, SK65, SK75
Deniers: 50-5400
Property | Standard Modulus | High Modulus |
---|---|---|
Breaking Tenacity (g/d) | 28.0 | 38 |
Specific Gravity (ratio) | 0.97 | 0.97 |
Elongation at Break (%) | 3.5 | 3.1 |
Tensile Modulus (g/d) | 850 | 1250 |
Equilibrium Moisture Regain at 55% RH (%) | <0.1 | <0.1 |
Creep at 40-48% ult tensile strength (%) | 1.7-5.0 | 1.7-5.0 |
Shrinkage dry air 177 ̊ 30 mins (%) | Melts | Melts |
Melt Point ( ̊C) | 135 | 135 |
NAME | CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION | |
---|---|---|---|
Fiber Selection Guide | Product Selection Guide | Compare fiber properties and technical data | View |
UHMWPE | Product/Service Overview | Explore product information and technical properties | View |