Processing and Properties of Melt Processable UHMW‐PE Based Fibers Using Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylene's

Abstract The rheology, solid state drawability, morphology, and mechanical properties of polyethylene blends containing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) and linear‐low molecular weight polyethylene waxes (PE wax ) are explored. Addition of PE wax enables melt processing of UHMW‐PE and improves solid state drawability, providing opportunities in recycling of UHMW‐PE waste. Small angle X‐ray scattering results show that both PE wax and UHMW‐PE align fully in the drawing direction, irrespective whether the PE wax has an M n below or above the critical molecular weight at which entanglements can form ( M c ). Tensile moduli of drawn specimen are in accordance to the Irvine–Smith model confirming that both UHMW‐PE and PE wax align in the drawing direction and no chain slip occurs toward zero strain and both UHMW‐PE and PE wax fractions, irrespective of their molecular weight, contribute fully to the modulus. Tensile strength of the blends scales according to the rule of mixtures where PE wax below M c scale toward zero and those above M c do contribute to the tensile strength. Modulus hence can be regarded as insensitive to the molecular weight of the PE wax used, whereas strength does show to be sensitive to the molecular weight of the PE wax .