Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, the world's three major high-tech fibers
What is UHMWPE Fiber?
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is referred to as UHMWPE fiber, also known as high-strength high-modulus polyethylene fiber, which is an unbranched linear polyethylene with a molecular weight of more than 1.5 million. Together with carbon fiber and aramid fiber, it is called "the world's three major high-tech fibers".
UHMWPE fiber is the strongest and toughest fiber in the world. As the saying goes: "Thin as paper, as hard as steel", its strength is 15 times that of steel, and it is currently the main material for making body armor.
01
Excellent Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE Fiber
In the case of the same linear density, the strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber against stretching is 15 times that of steel wire rope. It is 40% higher than aramid fiber, which is one of the "world's three major high-tech fibers", and 10 times higher than high-quality steel fiber and ordinary chemical fiber. Compared with steel, E-glass, nylon, polyenamine, carbon fiber and boron fiber, its strength and modulus are higher than these fibers, and it is the strongest among materials of the same quality.
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02
Excellent impact resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber has excellent impact resistance, and its ability to absorb energy and resist impact in the process of deformation and shaping is higher than that of aramid fiber and carbon fiber, which are also "the world's three major high-tech fibers". . Compared with polyamide, aramid, E-glass fiber, carbon fiber, and aramid, UHMWPE fiber has a higher total energy absorption than impact.
03
Excellent wear resistance of UHMWPE fiber
Comparing the coefficient of friction of UHMWPE fibers with those of carbon fibers and aramid fibers, the wear resistance and bending fatigue of UHMWPE fibers are much higher than those of carbon fibers and aramid fibers. Therefore, its wear resistance is better than other high-performance fibers. Also because of its superior wear resistance and bending resistance, its processing performance is also superior, and it is easy to make other composite materials and fabrics.
04
Chemical resistance of UHMWPE fibers
The chemical structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is relatively simple, and its chemical properties are relatively stable. Most of the chemical substances are not easy to corrode it. Only a few organic solutions can slightly swell it, and its mechanical properties loss is less than 100%. ten. The strength retention rate of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and aramid fiber in different chemical media was compared. The corrosion resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is obviously higher than that of aramid fiber. Its property structure is particularly stable in acid, alkali and salt, and its strength is only lost in sodium hypochlorite solution.
05
Good light resistance of UHMWPE fiber
Because the chemical structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is stable, its light resistance is also the most superior among high-tech fibers. Aramid fibers are not UV resistant and should only be used when protected from direct sunlight. Comparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers with nylon, high-modulus and low-modulus aramids, the strength retention rate of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers is significantly higher than other fibers.
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Other Properties of UHMWPE Fiber
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers also have good hydrophobic properties, water and humidity resistance, electrical insulation properties and long bending life. Its water resistance and low temperature resistance are outstanding, and its specific gravity is small. It is the only high-tech fiber that can float on water, and it is also an ideal low temperature material. But it also has its disadvantages, that is, its melting point is low. During its processing, the temperature should not exceed 130°C, otherwise it will cause creep phenomenon and shorten the service life due to the weak force between molecular chains between ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. There is no dye group on the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, which makes it poor in wettability, and it is difficult for the dye to penetrate into the fiber, resulting in poor dyeability. These shortcomings affect the scope of its application field.
Development prospect and application field of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber
The main application products of UHMWPE fiber in the field of protective materials are body armor, bulletproof armor, stab-proof clothing, cut-resistant clothing, cut-resistant gloves, helmets, cargo box protection, etc.
Because UHMWPE has a volume and mass of only 970 kg/m and can float on the water surface, and has high tensile strength, it is not afraid of fish bites, has no rust, and is anti-ultraviolet, so it is widely used in the preparation of anchor cables for large ships and mooring ropes for offshore platforms. cables, large sea fishing nets and parachute lines, etc. With the continuous development of my country's offshore oil, marine fishery and naval construction, the application of UHMWPE fiber in the above fields is increasing.
