The Complex Role of Crystalline Structure in the Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE Fibers
Abstract
The mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymeric materials are largely determined by the architecture and amount of the crystalline domains. It is known for UHMWPE fibers that the toughest and stiffest fibers exhibit a structure consisting of extended chain crystals and lamella. This structure is produced via a post-drawing process where the fiber is deformed causing the re-organization of the polymer chains. There is a lack of understanding regarding how the crystalline structure develops during drawing and what role the various structural aspects play in the mechanical properties. We show, using SAXS/WAXS, that various crystalline structures can be produced during the manufacturing of the PE fibers and that these architectures develop along unique pathways when drawn. Using a VADER1000 to perform post-drawing and tensile testing, understanding of the fibers mechanical response is found. We show that unique structures exhibit distinct relaxations and a critical stress at failure of PE fibers. This study provides a much deeper understanding of crystalline behavior in extension and allows for improved design of the post-drawing process.
Research was sponsored by the Army Research Laboratory and was accomplished under Cooperative AgreementNumberW911NF-12-2-0022.- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019APS..MARF30010H