A study of the mechanical behavior and crystal structure of UHMWPE/HDPE blend fibers prepared by melt spinning

Abstract

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blend fibers with the highest tensile strength of 1.13 GPa were prepared by a melt spinning process. The crystal structure and mechanical behavior of the as-spun filaments and fibers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), sound velocity orientation test and tensile strength test. The results suggested that the degree of molecular chain orientation, crystallinity and mechanical properties of the blend fibers were improved by blending with the low melt flow index (MFI) HDPE. The crystal grains of low MFI HDPE blend fibers that were formed by more highly oriented molecular chains could be stretched more effectively in the drawing direction, and the improved mechanical properties were due to the more regular and compact crystal structure.